03/28/2025 OC Today-Dispatch

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Mismanagement in county’s service area handling found

‘Gross

negligence’ could increase water and sewer rates, county official claims

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(March 28, 2025) Worcester County officials have proposed raising water and sewer rates as a possible solution to balancing the county’s water and sewer district budgets, which have run at a deficit for years, relying on comingled reserve funds to cover losses.

The operational deficit, affecting seven of the county’s 11 independent sanitary sewer districts, was only discovered last fall by county leadership, who now find themselves in a “factfinding, troubleshooting phase,” said County Administrator Weston Young.

“We’re not out in front of this like we probably should be. The fact of the matter is, many of these service areas have not been paying for themselves,” he said.

New revenue is needed to cover a system-wide operating deficit of $2.1 million for fiscal year 2026. Young said this could be covered by rate hikes, transfers from the general fund, a use of prior year surplus funds, grant awards, or some combination thereof.

funds.” Each is separate from the county’s general fund and is designed to generate its own revenue and to break even. Some enterprise funds generate a budget surplus and can set aside money in reserve.

However, it was discovered that a majority of sanitary sewer service areas were not generating enough revenue to cover expenses and ran in the red for years. The districts have occasionally dipped into each other’s reserves to cover costs – Young made the analogy to an IOU on a Post-It note – but historically, they repaid these loans.

However, one service district in particular, Riddle Farm outside Berlin, went deeply in the red when its aging physical plant became inefficient at treating wastewater. That sludge was trucked to the Ocean Pines wastewater treatment plant at a cost of $532,000 annually.

‘Somebody made the call to pump and haul, because it was cheaper to fix the problem at hand.’

County Administrator Weston Young HAPPY

“The initial thought was, you take that $2.1 million and you divvy it up over, say, the 18,000 rate payers and then in a quarterly bill, that’s probably a $32, $33 addition. That is one way of doing it,” Young said.

He emphasized that this particular rate hike proposal is one potential approach and isn’t a final decision.

The matter will be up for discussion before the Worcester County Board of Commissioners at a May 6 public hearing. The commissioners already held a public hearing on this issue in December, where the public did express some frustration with the prospect of higher bills.

Commissioners were briefed on the rate hike proposal at their March 18 meeting in Snow Hill. User rate increases, which would vary across the county’s 11 service districts, are intended to cover the operating deficit, according to Quinn Dittrich, the county’s enterprise fund controller.

“We took the budgeted FY 26 expenses and looked at the service areas as a whole and applied the expenses to the rate payers,” he told the commissioners.

Here’s how the finances are supposed to work: Water and sewer operations are considered “enterprise

“Somebody made the call to pump and haul,” Young said of Riddle Farm, “because it was cheaper to fix the problem at hand. The entire time, from a public works standpoint, it wasn’t treated effectively. They said, ‘let’s just take our sludge and treat it elsewhere’ – and that’s not free.

“The downside is,” Young continued, “the rates never change. The folks who use water and sewer in Riddle were paying the same amount, but it costs more to operate. Every quarter, every year, Riddle is going further and further in the hole. At a certain point, the comingled reserves would run out.”

Young also said, if money was needed for improvements, the individuals overseeing wastewater plants were supposed to formally request for an overage in expenditures from elected officials. Not only did that never happen, Young said, but the IOUs and comingling continued for years.

According to county spokeswoman Kim Moses, the county first learned about all this about a year ago, when officials took steps to streamline their budgeting process by putting all budget modifications in the hands of the Budget Officer, Kim Reynolds.

Before this, the county’s enterprise fund controller had direct access to amend the budget, and the enterprise funds were monitored by the county treasurer.

Officials said that Reynolds in February 2024 had received multiple requests about moving revenue from reserves. On further examination of the enterprise accounts, they saw that

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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 28, 2025) A resort board this month granted a special exception to reduce the number of required parking spaces for a downtown building, which will be converted to office space.

On March 13, the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously to grant applicant Brittani Phillips, on behalf of property owner Jeff McGuire, a special parking exception to waive four of the five required off-street parking spaces at 409 Philadelphia Ave. The waiver will allow for the conversion of a laundromat into McGuire’s private office.

“It will be a desk, and that’s pretty much it,” Phillips said of the property. “He’s a business owner. He owns a bunch of restaurants and bars. He just wanted a quiet place to come to to do some of his accounting and work near the beach.”

Zoning Analyst Chase Phillips said the applicant was seeking to waive four of the five required spaces at 409 Philadelphia Ave., located in the LC-1 local commercial district within the Parrot Bay Condominium plat. He noted the building, sold in May of 2024, was roughly 300 square feet.

“Prior to the sale, the building was utilized as a laundromat, which primarily served the residents of Parrot Bay,” he explained. “And before this, it was

OC parking exception granted

Continued from Page 6

utilized as an office for Parrot Bay.”

He added that the laundromat was not properly permitted with the town. As a result, a determination of nonconformity had not been completed.

“I would note that the lack of proper permits for the building isn’t really why the request is being made and does not have as much bearing on the request,” he said. “But it is an important factor in explaining why this request warrants a special parking exception from the board.”

Brittani Phillips said she had purchased the laundromat, which had already existed, back in 2016. She noted that when she went to sell the property last year, she was informed of the lack of permitting.

“Speaking to the board of Parrot Bay, they wanted it to be converted back to an office building,” she added.

Chase Phillips said a special parking exception is permitted, only if the exception does not adversely affect neighboring properties. Parrot Bay Condominium President Jody Palmisano argued it would do quite the opposite.

“It never had five parking spaces,” he told the board. “And we are glad to get rid of the laundromat. It was hard to police, and we are happy to have someone come in with a single office and not have much coming and going.”

After a brief discussion, the board voted 5-0 to approve the special parking exception for the business, with the condition that the building will not be used for rental purposes or habitation.

“I did analyze the site for density and Parrot Bay is already over the allowable density that is allowed by code today,” Chase Phillips said.

Council moves bond money to avoid potential penalties

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 28, 2025) In an attempt to avoid significant penalties, city officials last week agreed to switch the funding source for two Baltimore Avenue projects.

On March 17, the Ocean City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to transfer bond proceeds from the city’s Baltimore Avenue redevelopment project to the annual street paving program. City Manager Terry McGean said the funding switch will free up capital reserve money for future projects, which could include the Baltimore Avenue redevelopment.

“The issue is if you do not spend the bond funds within a certain amount of time, and you’re earning more interest on those bond proceeds than you’re paying, you can be subject to some significant penalties,” he told the council last week. “So the goal here is, these are 2021 bonds. We need to get that money spent.”

spent if it wanted to minimize its arbitrage liability. Finance Director Chuck Bireley said a way to do that is to use that bond money to pay for street paving.

“The town has profited significantly in what we’ve earned …,” he explained. “That’s why I’m 100 percent confident in telling you there will be an arbitrage liability. So we’re trying to spend these funds as quickly as possible, to minimize liability.”

McGean agreed.

“We’re using the bond money to pay for the paving, the thing that is done now,” he added. “So $800,000 of bond money is going to paving. That means that’s $800,000 we didn’t have to spend on paving, which then stays with us and can be invested. So now we are able to earn interest on that money without paying arbitrage on it.”

With no further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilwoman Carol Proctor absent, to approve the ordinance on first reading.

Mayor Rick Meehan also asked that the council revisit the Baltimore Avenue redevelopment project after this year’s budgeting process concludes.

Last year, the Town of Ocean City received a $20 million federal grant for the Baltimore Avenue project. That money, coupled with bond proceeds, is expected to fund a phased redevelopment of the corridor.

As proposed, the work includes undergrounding of utilities and improvements to the overall streetscape.

However, city staff this week told the council bond proceeds the city had acquired in 2021 will need to be

“I think all of us, still, are interested in pursuing that project at some point,” he said. “So I’d like to see us put that back on the agenda.”

“It’s been on hold, waiting for some answers back from State Highway [Administration],” McGean replied. “We have gotten those.”

Council increases parking rates throughout Ocean City

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 28, 2025) Parking fees will increase throughout town, beginning next month.

Last Monday, the Ocean City Council approved a resolution, effectively increasing paid parking on streets and in municipal lots throughout town.

The fee change will take effect April 1.

Fees for the Inlet lot, as well as all on-street paid parking and parking lots located on blocks abutting the beach or Boardwalk would be set at $3.50 per hour in the shoulder season and $4.50 during the summer season. Those rates would then decrease to $2.50 per hour in the shoulder season and $3.50 during the summer season for parking spaces not adjacent to the beach or Boardwalk.

“We’re proposing to tier the parking system,” said Parking Manager

Jon Anthony, “so it costs more near the beach than somewhere else.”

The resolution also implements paid parking, seven days a week, from April 1 through Oct. 31 at 99th Street bayside, 100th Street bayside, the 100th Street lot and the 64th Street boat ramp lot.

It also establishes special event parking rates, which increases the rate for most paid parking spaces by $1.50 for 2025 special events. Those events include the C3 Presents music festivals, Fourth of July, OC Air Show, spring and fall Cruisin’ events, Bike Week and the White Marlin Open.

After further discussion, the council voted 5-1, with Councilman John Gehrig opposed and Councilwoman Carol Proctor absent, to approve the parking fee changes.

Special event dates were also established through a second resolution, also approved by the City Council last Monday.

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Planners approve new standards for outdoor displays

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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 28, 2025) City planners agreed to advance a new outdoor display ordinance to the Ocean City Council with a favorable recommendation.

Following a public hearing last week, the Ocean City Planning Commission voted to approve a new outdoor display ordinance.

While those in support argued new standards were needed to clean up the Boardwalk displays, Commissioner Joel Brous, the lone dissenter, said the ordinance went too far.

“There does need to be some cleaning up on the Boardwalk, but at the same time I think this goes too far, a little extreme, personally,” he said. “Secondly, I know we advertised it – and they knew it was coming, possibly – but if someone is doing a deck beside my house, I get a notification in the mail. This directly affects their businesses, and they weren’t notified by mail, directly? I don’t think that’s fair to the business owners.”

Last June, at the beginning of the summer, the council adopted an emergency ordinance that set stronger enforcement procedures for outdoor displays located on the Boardwalk. The change included a six-step enforcement procedure with increasing fines and penalties for Boardwalk merchants who violated the rules of their outdoor display permit.

However, staff last year made it clear that they would review the ordinance’s success at the end of the summer and come back to the council with a more comprehensive rewrite of the outdoor display ordinance. Those revisions were introduced at last month’s City Council meeting, during which officials voted to have the planning commission review the

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Commissioner votes against regs, asked for new notices

new ordinance on outdoor displays.

To that end, commissioners last week held a public hearing to consider the new outdoor display standards. Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler said the new code is part of a series of revisions that began last year.

“As we approached rewriting this ordinance, we looked at what the previous ordinance did and what the constraints were,” he said. “What we recognized was the ordinance needed to be rewritten and redone. So we’ve removed the entire old ordinance and came up with new one.”

As proposed, the new code would eliminate the use of mannequins and include provisions that ensure a merchant’s outdoor displays do not encroach on neighboring stores, the Boardwalk, or on utility poles, benches and signs.

The revisions will also address outdoor displays facing the side streets, as well as incorporate a new formula for the number of freestanding and wall-mounted displays allowed outside of a merchant’s store.

“The ordinance was designed to be more simplistic for enforcement, simplistic for the user and the applicant of the permit,” Bendler said.

The code changes would also prohibit open umbrellas and feather flags, encourage decorative amenities such as plants and benches, and change the type of A-frame signs allowed as an outdoor display. It also moves ancillary services such as henna tattoos and hair wraps inside.

“No longer will we allow these businesses outside,” Bendler said.

Officials pointed out the ordinance would also add definitions and simplify the permitting process, which was originally handled by the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC).

“Originally the permitting process, OCDC was required to have a Boardwalk committee that would approve these,” Bendler explained. “We want to simplify that and make that a more cohesive process, and an easier process, whereas it’s more streamlined and more transactional. It does involve a bit of OCDC being a part of it. If there is a concern, or items we want them to review, OCDC will be a part of that review process.”

When asked how the city got to the point of developing new standards, Bendler pointed to flaws in the current code.

“In 2016, that’s when this original ordinance was created, and that’s

when they created the Boardwalk committee through OCDC,” he responded. “The process worked for some time, and then it kind of didn’t continue as designed.”

Bendler said OCDC was supportive of the changes. Commission Chair Joe Wilson, a member of OCDC’s board, agreed.

“From the OCDC’s perspective, previously it was almost like we could do the design but there was no teeth to it. There was no real enforcement,” he said. “We got that enforcement last year, but the process was still kind of convoluted. I think – much to your credit George – this streamlines it more than what it was previously.”

Brous, noting the lack of attendance during the public hearing, questioned if the Boardwalk merchants had been notified of the changes. Bendler said the proposed ordinance and public hearing had been advertised.

“We are going to notify them of this,” he said. “If they aren’t following it, they need to.”

During public comments, OCDC Executive Director Zach Bankert voiced his support for the ordinance. He said the changes would provide clarity and reduce clutter on the Boardwalk.

“What you see in front of you here represents over a year of effort, first starting with the enforcement side of it and then going out to see how we can better craft the ordinance so it’s easier to understand,” he said, “both for the business owner and town staff.”

However, Boardwalk business owner Bruce Krasner said the changes did nothing to address the biggest problem – enforcement.

“The problem was the city never enforced or fined anybody for what was going on,” he said. “So now something new is coming into play.”

After public comments, the commission voted 4-1, with Brous opposed, to approve the ordinance and advance it to the City Council with a favorable recommendation.

“I do think there has been a concerted effort to clean up – visually –the Boardwalk, not just the town but from other citizens in the area,” Wilson said. “It’s been a topic of conversation for a very long time. I think this ordinance helps accomplish that. I think the town itself is going through revisions of all the signs on the Boardwalk, trying to make it more uniform, more appealing. And I don’t personally see why we shouldn’t do so with the businesses as well.”

OC’s second annual country music festival to bring stars

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 28, 2025) Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan and Luke Combs will headline this year’s Country Calling Festival, which will be held over the course of three days in October.

On Wednesday, C3 Presents announced the lineup for the second annual Country Calling Festival, which will take place in downtown Ocean City Oct. 3-5. The fall event will feature more than 35 artists across three stages over three days.

“We are excited to extend Country Calling to one additional day …,” Tom Perlozzo, Ocean City’s tourism and business development director, said this week. “The demand from the 2024 event has established a premiere concert and 2025 should be even more exciting.”

In addition to Carrie Underwood and Brooks & Dunn, Friday’s concert lineup will include Jon Pardi, Tyler Hubbard, Tucker Wetmore, Chase Rice, Leann Rimes, Avery Anna, John Morgan, Drew Baldridge, Luke Borchelt and Cale Tyson.

On Saturday, the festival will continue with performances by Luke

Bryan, Zach Top, Jordan Davis, Treaty Oak Revival, Flatland Cavalry, Wynonna Judd, Gretchen Wilson, LOCASH, Ingrid Andress, The Band Perry, Jimmy Charles, Jack Van Cleaf and Colton Bowlin.

Festivities conclude Sunday, with performances from Luke Combs, Koe Wetzel, Ryan Bingham, Gary Allan, Gavin Adcock, Gabby Barrett, Stephen Wilson Jr., Chase Matthew, Margo Price, The Castellows, Laci Kaye Booth, and Thelma & James.

Similar to the Oceans Calling Festival the week prior, Country Calling Festival will have three stages within the same footprint. Festival goers also will have access to the Ocean City Boardwalk and its businesses, including restaurants, bars and variety shops, as well as the Jolly Roger at the Pier Amusement Park, included with the purchase of a Country Calling Festival ticket.

Access to the three-day and oneday general admission (GA), GA+, VIP and platinum tickets will be available Friday, March 28, at 10 a.m. A general on-sale will follow at 11 a.m., if tickets remain.

For more information, visit www.countrycallingfestival.com.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Country Calling’s lineup was released this week, bringing well-known acts to Ocean City this fall.

The festival has been extended a day for an entire weekend of country music.

Commission reviews comp plan ahead of joint session

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 28, 2025) Discussions on housing, land use and parking, among other things, will highlight an upcoming joint meeting to discuss Ocean City’s comprehensive plan.

Last Tuesday, the Ocean City Planning Commission held a work session on the comprehensive plan, which is currently undergoing updates. As part of that discussion, members reviewed certain topics – including townhouse development, zoning, and downtown parking – they want to present to the mayor and City Council ahead of next week’s joint session.

“I’m not sure what participation we’ll get from the mayor and City Council on these topics,” City Planner Bill Neville told commission members last week. “They may just rely on the commission’s recommendations, or they may dive right in. I’m looking forward to it.”

A rift between council members and planning commissioners was first made evident in 2022, when the council removed two proposed code amendments brought forward by the commission. And that fall, the two groups met for the first time to clear the air.

Since that time, the groups have held two more meetings, during which officials discussed topics such as nonconforming signs, LED lighting, parking, building heights, workforce housing and conditional use approvals, among other things. They also agreed to review the city’s comprehensive plan at their next session.

On April 1, the City Council will hold its fourth joint session with the planning commission. Ahead of that meeting, commission members gathered last week to review the comprehensive plan, chapter by chapter, and to make a list of discussion points for the council’s review.

“Once the joint meeting is over, we can come back and spend time with the individual chapters as a follow-up, to figure out how to incorporate the mayor and City Council’s comments, and to do a final polish on it,” Neville said.

Neville noted the updated comprehensive plan will focus on five areas –offshore energy, youth sports tourism, entry corridors, housing and climate adaptation. He said those topics would be addressed in multiple areas of the city’s planning document.

He also asked commission members

See CITY Page 16

City Council, commission to meet next week

Continued from Page 15

what topics they wanted to see supported in the city’s comprehensive plan.

“If we’ve been able to update all the information in each chapter, what recommendations would go beyond the status quo?” he asked. “What are we going to recommend through the comprehensive plan to actually initiate a change?”

Neville said an example of this was creating a parking district for the feein-lieu-of-parking concept members of the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) presented to the mayor and City Council two years ago. He said if that was still something the city wanted to see accomplished, it should be included.

“What do we need to put into the chapters of the comprehensive plan to

build support for that?” he said.

For more than an hour, commission members reviewed updates to the city’s comprehensive plan. They also held lengthy discussions on certain chapters, such as economic development –centered on youth sports tourism and shoulder-season events – and housing. Officials noted the benefits of townhouse development, but also its challenges.

Commission members also discussed zoning and land use.

“We tried not to tackle the big topic of pyramidal zoning,” Neville said, “but we haven’t necessarily put a fine point on our consideration of mixed use and how we would like to develop a set of guidelines or regulations to encourage mixed use, but see it done in a way that works best.”

In terms of transportation, commis-

sion members said they wanted city staff to provide an update on the Baltimore Avenue streetscape project during the April 1 joint meeting. They also revisited the fee-in-lieu-of-parking concept presented at the beginning of the meeting.

Chair Joe Wilson, a member of OCDC’s board, said that project has been paused, noting that private property owners did not want to give up their parking nonconformity for a feein-lieu program.

“That’s the long and short of it,” he explained. “We went back and forth and talked to a lot of hotel owners and business owners downtown, and there was no willingness to give up their nonconformity for a fee-in-lieu program.”

However, Wilson asked if there was a desire to discuss the development of a downtown parking garage. Commis-

sion members supported the idea and agreed to bring it before the mayor and City Council at next week’s meeting.

“There are more uses and more need for parking in the downtown area,” Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler added.

Next week’s joint meeting will be held Tuesday, April 1, at 1 p.m. at city hall. Neville told commission members input from that meeting would be incorporated into the comprehensive plan.

“The implementation we’re going to come back and talk about after our joint meeting with the council,” he said. “That will let us know what priorities we need to focus on.”

Hardwire scores federal contract for body armor

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(March 28, 2025) A Pocomoke City defense contractor has been awarded a long-term contract valued at $416 million to produce body armor for U.S. soldiers on the battlefield.

The Department of Defense announced March 14 that Hardwire LLC won a bid to produce Lares Small Arms Protective Inserts, part of what the Army calls the Vital Torso Protection Program, or VTP.

“Lares” is a reference to protective guardian spirits from ancient Rome, and this model of armor is the lightest version out of three possible variants of ballistic protection, an Army spokesman said.

He said it’s part of a long-standing Army initiative to create body armor that is less one-size-fits-all, and more suited to soldiers with smaller frames, like short men or petite women.

A lighter protective vest for soldiers in combat provides greater mobility and faster movement, according to Congressional testimony this month from Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James Mingus. He said the Army’s latest generation of protective inserts, like the ones being developed at Hardwire, should weigh about 30% less than a soldier’s current standard body armor.

Hardwire founder and Chief Executive Officer George Tunis called the program a “win-win.” “It is good for the warfighter, good for the defense industrial base, and good for the local Eastern Shore workforce,” he said. “It will continue to grow fulltime, family-supporting jobs in Pocomoke. I couldn’t be more proud of the Hardwire team and their gritty perseverance.”

Set to expire in 2032, Hardwire’s

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Arbitration ahead for Ocean City, police union?

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 28, 2025) Declaring an impasse, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #10 President Justin Hoban said the union is moving toward arbitration as it looks to secure a new, three-year contract with the Town of Ocean City.

Despite efforts to reach some middle ground in its triennial contract negotiations, Ocean City Lodge #10 has announced it would go to arbitration with the Town of Ocean City, as the two parties have reached a standstill. Hoban declined to elaborate further on the impasse this week, but implied the dispute was over pay and benefits. He said both sides have mutually agreed to bring the matter to a neutral outside party.

“At this point, since it’s still ongoing, I can’t discuss what point we’re

not agreeing on,” he said. “We both have come to a certain thing that we’re not agreeable to, so we’re working toward the natural process of arbitration.”

If arbitration occurs, Hoban said it would be the first time since Ocean City police officers secured collective bargaining power back in 2002. However, he said both sides can continue to negotiate up until that point.

“It’s one of those things where two sides can’t agree …,” he said. “We’re working toward that route, heading that way, but we can still negotiate back and forth.”

City Manager Terry McGean has declined to comment on the city’s talks with the local police union. However, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury acknowledged the impasse in an email this week.

“It is correct that an agreement was not reached during the collective bargaining sessions and arbitration is the next step unless an agreement can be reached before the formal arbitration process begins,” she wrote. “The Town remains in communication with the FOP’s legal counsel and together we are working to select the arbitrator.”

In 2002, Ocean City voters supported a referendum allowing Ocean City police to participate in collective bargaining. And two years later, police entered their first union-negotiated contract with the Town of Ocean City.

Every three years since then, a new contract has been ratified. However, the possibility of arbitration has loomed over negotiations twice in the last decade.

In 2015, for the first time since the police department unionized, Lodge

#10 notified the city of its intent to go to arbitration. The process was ultimately avoided when both parties reached last-minute concessions.

Three years later, the union again declared its intent to pursue arbitration before the matter was settled amicably.

It remains to be seen whether both parties will reach some sort of agreement before the matter is brought before a third-party arbitrator. According to the city code, an impasse panel must hold a hearing within 30 days of selecting a chairperson. At the conclusion of the hearing, the panel will have 30 days to issue its final and binding decision.

The terms of a new union contract must be adopted prior to the fiscal year, which starts July 1.

“We came up with our numbers, they came up with theirs …,” Hoban said this week. “We don’t agree with what they’ve offered, and they don’t agree with what we’ve offered.”

Continued from Page 16

deal is what’s known as “indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity” contract, and the dollar amount of the agreement represents a ceiling for orders, the Army spokesman said. It gives Hardwire a long-term deal to continue producing the VTP armor plating for the Army on an as-needed basis.

The contract was publicized by Congressman Andy Harris (R-1st) who posted to social media last week about the award.

“For decades, Hardwire has facilitated the expansion of business in my district though their innovative products that protect military, police, and our communities,” Harris said in a statement. “I look forward to watching the important work of hardwire through this critical Army investment which advances the readiness, lethality, and protection of the American warfighter.”

Founded by Tunis in 2000, Hardwire is headquartered in a 130,000 square foot manufacturing facility in downtown Pocomoke City. The company designs and manufactures bullet-resistant armor plating and soft armor for the military and law enforcement. Hardwire also provides bulletproof shields for local schools, some of which double as handheld whiteboards.

Hardwire was one of two winning bidders on the contract. A company called Leading Technology Composites Inc., out of Wichita, Kansas, also will be producing armor inserts. Their bids were solicited online. The armor will be tested at Aberdeen Proving Ground, the Army said.

DWAYNE WILSON

EVE OBOYLE

Three deaths from collisions, annual police report says

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 28, 2025) Crime trends, police activity and recent accomplishments highlight the Ocean City Police Department’s annual report, presented to city officials last week.

On March 17, Ocean City Interim Chief Michael Colbert and Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller presented the mayor and City Council with the police department’s annual report. Colbert said the document highlighted the department’s statistics and major accomplishments throughout 2024.

“This is a comprehensive review of the efforts to keep our community safe and secure,” he told the council last week. “Over the past year, OCPD officers have tirelessly attempted to uphold the highest standards of public safety that Ocean City demands, and also deserves.”

In total, 61% of reported crimes throughout Ocean City occurred in June, July and August of last year. The Ocean City Police Department recorded 2,067 fewer calls for service, as well as fewer traffic citations, DUI arrests and traffic collisions.

However, the agency reported three fatalities.

“Now, we’re talking about a small number in the sense that there were three fatal collisions last year, but it’s much more than we’ve had in general …,” Colbert said, noting that in recent years the city had no fatalities. “It’s hard to discern a pattern when you are talking about such small numbers. However, all of these either involve a bicycle or pedestrian. So we have plans to continue stressing both bicycle and pedestrian safety throughout education and enforcement efforts moving into this summer.”

Colbert added that Taser use and assaults on officers had decreased last year. The police department also recorded 254 fewer custodial arrests last year, 15 fewer criminal citations, 72 fewer weapons arrests and 54 fewer controlled dangerous substance arrests.

“This is a good sign for the community, and it’s also consistent with the reduction we see in calls for service,” Colbert said.

Within the patrol division, Colbert highlighted officers’ continued participation in the Homeless Outreach Team, or HOT, program, as well as the expansion of the division’s mounted unit. He also noted the use of bodyworn cameras and drones.

“Currently we have eight drones and 11 certified pilots …,” he said. “We primarily use these for crime scene documentation, crash investigations, missing persons, special events and monitoring large crowds.”

OCPD to review trial board policy amid officer appeals

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(March 28, 2025) Officials within the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) will present a policy for how trial boards will be handled as three officers await hearings for charges of misconduct.

Next month, the agency’s Office of Professional Standards will present the Ocean City Police Commission with a new policy on trial board procedures. The policy comes as three officers on the force have appealed to the board to reconsider disciplinary measures resulting from a recent misconduct investigation.

“A policy has to be created for how the trial board will be handled,” OCPD Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller said. “The Office of Professional Standards has been working on that.”

Last April, the Worcester County Police Accountability Board received a citizen complaint detailing one female officer’s alleged interactions with four co-workers within the OCPD.

In his written statement to Cpl. Michael Karsnitz, the complainant shared several instances in which his ex-girlfriend had conducted alleged affairs with the four named officers, both on and off duty.

In total, the complaint listed five officers from the Ocean City Police Department, including one supervisor and another in a supervisory position within a separate division.

As a result of the complaint, the Ocean City Police Department last May suspended three of the named officers pending the results of an internal investigation by the OCPD Office of Professional Standards. One officer has since resigned, and an-

other has retired.

As part of the process, the results of the department’s internal investigation were forwarded to the Worcester County Administrative Charging Committee, a five-member group tasked with reviewing the investigation and recommending any disciplinary action. And over the winter, the committee handed down its ruling.

The three officers have since appealed their disciplinary measures to the county’s trial board.

“The matter is ongoing and is proceeding through the administrative process, as outlined in the Public Safety Article, at which time a finding will be finalized as to the outcome of the alleged conduct,” Miller said in January.

In July of 2022, the Maryland Police Accountability Act replaced the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights as the system for police discipline.

As part of the legislation, passed by the Maryland General Assembly the year prior, all counties were required to establish three oversight boards, each with their own civilian members and functions.

The Police Accountability Board serves as the overall governing body and receives misconduct complaints, which are then advanced to the Administrative Charging Committee. There, members review complaints and misconduct investigations and recommend disciplinary action based on a state-created matrix.

Officers who do not accept the disciplinary measures recommended by the committee can appeal that decision to the county’s trial board, a three-member panel chaired by a retired or administrative law judge.

OC police share recent activity

Continued from Page 22

Within the criminal investigation division, Colbert said detectives’ closure rate exceeded the national average. And within the support services division, he said personnel secured nearly $79,000 in grant funding for various police initiatives.

The acting chief also highlighted the success of agency’s auxiliary officer program. In 2024, auxiliary officers donated 2,100 hours, saving the city more than $69,000.

“We expanded by one member this last year, and we are always seeking new members …” he said. “The 2,100 hours they donated this year is well over what was donated last year as well. As the program continues to expand, so do the hours.”

Colbert also acknowledged changes within the hiring and training process, as well as the agency’s elimination of

the seasonal officer program.

“Last summer, we had seasonal police officers. This summer, we will not. This happened due to changes at the state level,” he explained. “We have had to move from hiring sworn seasonal police officers and toward expanding our current non-sworn officer program, which we are in the midst of doing now. These public safety officers, not sworn, will continue to work in arrest and detention, as well as the patrol division, supporting our public safety and enforcing our civil violations.”

Colbert noted the annual report is available to the public and will be posted on the OCPD webpage.

“Good job and thank you very much for the work that you and your team have been doing and continue to do,” Council President Matt James told Colbert last week.

Officials talk possible spike in fee

Bunting, Bertino meet with Ocean Pines

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(March 27, 2025) Ocean Pines residents could experience a significant increase in fees if a proposed water and wastewater budget presented at a Worcester County Commissioners meeting last week is passed.

The fiscal year 2026 Water/Wastewater Enterprise Funds budget was presented at a meeting of the Worcester County Commissioners on March 18. If implemented, the proposed plan to make up a $2.1 million deficit for fiscal year 2026 may raise Ocean Pines ratepayers’ – and those in the other 10 services areas – quarterly bills by an estimated $32 despite the community’s mere $116,699 share of the losses.

However, as Ocean Pines boasts 10,000 of the 18,000 users countywide, making it the largest service area, the fees should come to only $1 to $3, Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino said.

Bertino and Commissioner Jim Bunting oppose the plan presented last week. The pair argue the outline, which equally charges all 11 service areas, will unfairly impact Ocean

Pines ratepayers, given their low contribution to the deficit. For context, Riddle Farm’s shortfall comes to a little over $1 million.

This equality model could be used to pay back a looming $6 million loan to address budgetary shortfalls within the combined water/wastewater enterprise service areas, increasing Ocean Pines residents’ bills even further despite the community’s minimal impact on the funding insufficiencies.

Furthermore, county code prohibits the proposed budget move, according to Bertino. The current code requires the debt of each service area be the responsibility of that individual service area. Each enterprise fund should be self-sustaining with income equaling expenses.

“By county code, we should not be paying for another district’s shortcomings,” Bertino said. “What was presented is contrary to what our current code is. As with so many other things, the commissioners can decide to change the county code and tweak it. But as it stands right now, the option before us is contrary to county code.”

The code reads, “The County Commissioners shall levy assessments by resolution on all properties within the sanitary service area or sub-area for the sole purpose of raising funds to retire any indebtedness of the service area or sub-area incurred for the purpose of acquiring or constructing sanitary facilities.”

The Ocean Pines Board of Directors met with Bertino and Bunting on Thursday, March 20, in a public meeting to discuss the budget plan, what can be done to prevent its passage, and what has led to the current situation.

At this gathering, Bertino said that in February 2024, the county budget office and deputy chief administrative officer were implementing new procedures and discovered “financial inconsistencies within the Enterprise Fund operations.”

It was learned the finance department was not bringing to anyone’s attention “accumulated deficits and that the budget transfers were being made on paper from reserves that did not exist in individual areas,” Bertino said.

At this time, the commissioners were informed of the gravity of the situation.

ENTERTAINMENT

Upon further inspection between early 2024 and September, it was revealed that the Enterprise Funds “as a whole would soon run out of money.”

Bertino said the commissioners approved a transfer of about $9 million from the general fund to the Enterprise Funds to avoid a financial crisis.

“Of this, $2.7 million was designated as a grant to the Riddle Farm Service area,” Bertino added. “The re-

maining $6.3 million was designated a loan with an interest rate of about 5% that would be required to be paid back to the general fund over a period of 10 years beginning in fiscal 2027.”

Bertino emphasized the Ocean Pines service area did not contribute to the accrued losses.

“Of the $9 million transfer to stabilize the Enterprise Funds for accrued operations and maintenance shortfalls of individual service areas, the Ocean Pines service area was not a part,” the county official noted. “The Ocean Pines service area did not contribute at all to the accrued losses.”

A plan was created by a water/wastewater discussion group made up of staff and Commissioners Ted Elder, Eric Fiori and Bunting to address the less-than-ideal circumstance. Bertino said the team met three times and a majority voted to present the plan that came before the commissioners last week.

Under the proposal, Ocean Pines must contribute to the loan shortfalls, shouldering more than it is responsible for. For fiscal year 2026, there is projected to be a $2.1 million overall loss within the combined 11 service areas. These service areas include Ocean Pines, Assateague Pointe, Briddletown, Edgewater Acres, Landings, Lighthouse Sound, Mystic Harbour, Newark, Riddle Farm, River Run, and West Ocean City. Ocean Pines’ share is around $117,000.

According to Bertino, the $117,000 amount should equate to around $1 to $3 on Ocean Pines ratepayers’ quarterly bills. Yet, the suggested budget has Pines residents contributing more than necessary, increasing fees by $32.

Bertino said this is “ten times more” than what the community should be required to pay. He added that the increase would “more or less remain forevermore on our bills.”

“That’s just for this year’s identified $2.1 million shortfall,” the county official said. “Waiting in the distance is the $6 million loan that needs to be paid back to the general fund beginning in FY2027. If the plan presented Tuesday requiring Ocean Pines to shoulder the shortfall debt of other service areas passes in the final budget, it’s very likely the same model will be used for the $6.3 million loan plus interest repayment over the next 10 years.”

Bertino continued, arguing that the potential rise in rates is inequitable to the Ocean Pines community.

“Doing simple math – and I want to reiterate that nothing about this situation is simple – our rates in Ocean Pines will increase about $9 per quarter per ratepayer for the repayment of this loan over 10 years, that equates to $3.6 million collectively over 10 years that we weren’t responsible for to begin with,” he said.

Also impacting Ocean Pines fees is

Draft plan not in Pines best interest, officials conclude

that while the community’s service area currently accepts waste from the Riddle Farm service area and is being compensated approximately $532,000 annually, the location is expected to be back online in December. Therefore, soon, “the pump and haul expenses to that service area and the revenue our service area has been receiving for many years” will be eliminated, Bertino said.

It is likely that lost revenue will need to be made up. The commissioner noted that a quick calculation reveals that bills will include about a $13 quarterly increase. This modification will remain regardless of the outcome of the budget draft proposed last week.

Bertino noted the presented spending plan is a “conversation starter” and that while it is currently the only option on the table, it has not been approved. However, Bertino and Bunting maintained that should it be passed, the result would incur an unfavorable impact on Ocean Pines.

“Those of us in the Ocean Pines service area have a responsibility to pay for the operations and maintenance and capital improvements of the facility that provides us clean water and processes our effluent,” Bertino said. “Ocean Pines ratepayers do not have a responsibility, nor should we be expected to shoulder the costs of other service areas that through the years were not financially managed properly by county government. The plan put forward Tuesday was a draft, an option that will be discussed and deliberated by the commissioners. It’s possible it will change … But this is the only plan now before us, and it is not in Ocean Pines’ best interest.”

The Ocean Pines Board of Directors expressed their concerns with the proposed plan.

“This sounds like a neighbor who takes out a loan to do a major redo of their home then goes walking down the street asking everybody else to help them pay it off,” director Steve Jacobs said.

A public hearing to express thoughts and concerns has been set for Tuesday, May 6, at 6 p.m. at the Worcester County Government Center in Snow Hill.

“Everybody in the Ocean Pines

service area needs to be informed,” he said. “They need to understand so they can articulate their concerns. They should come out to the public hearing. They should write letters and emails. We need to educate our people. Knowledge is power ... Ocean Pines is not a shy community.”

OPA Board of Directors Secretary John Latham echoed Bertino’s sentiments.

“Our community is going to do everything we can,” he said.

OPA Board President Stuart Lakernick asked the commissioners about the possibility of legal action. Bertino maintained at this point since no decision has been made except to accept the budget as an option for consideration, this step cannot yet be taken.

TARA FISCHER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

County Commissioners Jim Bunting, left, and Chip Bertino are pictured with OPA Board members during last Thursday’s discussion of proposed changes to the Ocean Pines Service area fees.

STUDENTS TESTIFY

Senator Mary Beth Carozza, along with a panel of student athletes and sports officials, testified in strong support of the Fairness in Girls’ Sports Act on March 5. Senate Bill 588 would ensure a level playing field for girls’ sports by only allowing biological girls to play on high school interscholastic and intramural junior varsity and varsity teams designated as a girls’, female, or women’s team or sport. Pictured, from left, are April Bondurant of Stephen Decatur High School; Carozzsa; Brooke Berquist of Stephen Decatur High School; and James Crawford, veteran volleyball and soccer referee.

Route 589 utility extension study approved

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(March 28, 2025) The engineering firm George, Miles, and Buhr (GMB) will evaluate and provide recommendations for the extension of water and sewer utilities from the Ocean Pines Service Area to parcels along Route 589 south of Pennington Commons as interest in developing there increases.

Per a letter from Dallas Baker, director of Worcester County Public Works, to Chief Financial Officer Weston Young, water and sewer services to this location are anticipated to come from the Ocean Pines Service Area. Worcester County Public Works has requested the engineering group analyze and recommend infrastructure requirements “on a regional basis to serve the area in question.” The cost to the county will be $23,700.

“As individual developments are approved in the future, the sewer and water infrastructure installed should account for future service needs for the county to effectively serve this area,” the letter reads. “Having an approved water and sewer extension plan in place for this area will ensure that Public Works can adequately serve those approved to connect.”

The proposed study was presented at a March 18 county commissioners meeting and approved 5-2. Commissioners Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting, both of whom represent portions of Ocean Pines, dissented.

The scope of the work will see GMB work with the county to develop EDU projections for the future service area, keeping zoning and expected environmental limitations in mind. The study's completion will offer recom-

mendations on approximate placements and the “capacity of regional lift stations and associated force mains to strategically reach as many parcels via gravity sewer as feasible.”

Regional force main discharge locations will be discussed with public works based on their knowledge and understanding of the current Ocean Pines infrastructure capacity. GMB will review past water service planning documents and supply an updated concept layout with recommendations for future water main locations and potential loops.

The feasibility study will be completed in two phases based on site geography.

“The first area, North Turville Creek, will include parcels that border the Pennington Commons development and continue south to Turville Creek,” agenda documents in the meeting packet read.

“The second area, South Turville Creek, will include parcels south of Turville Creek to the intersection of Route 50. Only parcels and large lots bordering Route 589 will be considered, but the study area can be further defined as GMB works with the County on EDU projections for each area.”

During the discussion, Bertino moved to table the item. He argued that rezoning will likely have to occur with increased development, and that the evaluation should be considered

after the “rezoning and public hearings associated with them.”

“It's a major rezoning from one of the requests, " the commissioner said. “Impact on the 589 corridor will be extensive. To move forward without input from the public is premature … Once the public hearings [have happened] and we hear input from people who want to speak, a decision will be made. I don't want to not do the study. I just think the timing of it is wrong … we have not had input from the public on the rezonings.”

Commissioner Eric Fiori, however, argued that the evaluation would be a smart move to get ahead.

“If you look at the history of water and sewer and planning, we have not been good stewards on that front,” he said. “I don't think we should be tabling this with the amount of interest on 589.”

Officials from public works maintained that the study would include looking at current zoning maps and land uses to determine what can go in the area, such as where the logical place is to put in sewage lift stations and to what size.

The goal would be to condense these lifts into two or three locations rather than several up and down Route 589, which would drive up maintenance costs.

County officials decided to include this topic as part of a public hearing at the Worcester County Government Center at 6 p.m. on May 6.

Berlin council votes to end EDU finance policy for now

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(March 28, 2025) The Berlin Town Council this week voted to abandon a previously existing policy that allows developers to finance up to five equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) over five years.

inate the financing option. Nichols made the motion to abolish, and Orris seconded.

The vote was preceded by a discussion in which the council members and the public were given the opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns regarding the standard.

Nichols said that she does not believe Berlin needs to be incentivizing developers.

At a Berlin Mayor and Council meeting on Monday, March 24, the municipality’s governing body unanimously voted to eliminate a 2017 policy that allows developers to finance up to five EDUs, to be paid in full within five years, along with a 3% annual administration fee to cover staff costs.

Three contracts under this agreement will be grandfathered in. Town Administrator Mary Bohlen maintained “one or two” are near finalization.

The motion to terminate the financing policy comes after a meeting last month in which Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall broke a tie vote to permit developer Zachary Grauer to finance four EDUs in his project to repurpose a vacant structure on the north side of his Bay Street parcel.

The initiative would see the construction of five new apartment units. One unit will be a two-bedroom space, while the remaining four will be one-bedroom, at around 700 to 800 square feet.

WEST OCEAN CITY OFFICE FOR RENT

Per last month’s vote, broken by Tyndall, who by code is given the authority to offer his vote in the case of a stalemate, the developer will finance four EDUs from the town for $66,774 at 525 Bay Street. The developer will pay a 10% deposit of $6,677 and be charged a 3% financing fee to cover administrative and staff costs.

Tyndall and council members Steve Green and Jay Knerr voted in favor of Grauer’s financing request. Council member Jack Orris and Vice President Dean Burrell were against the ask. Council member Shaneka Nichols was absent when voting took place.

Last month’s heated debate initiated a conversation about whether the policy should exist in the first place. Tyndall, Green, and Knerr voted in favor of Grauer’s financing agreement due to the mere existence of the guidelines and precedent.

“We have financed a lot of projects,” Green said last month. “… I feel that we need to be consistent.”

Tyndall concurred, arguing that since the standard is in place, the governing body must honor it. In the past, the town has entered into previous deals with groups like Sonrise Church, Twisters, Renaissance Plaza, Strawberry Fields, and others.

Orris and Burrell opposed Grauer’s request. Orris maintained that Berlin is “not a bank,” while the vice president opposed the area for the planned project, citing a congestion issue.

Thus, the policy was brought forth earlier this week, and the governing body discussed its legitimacy. Ultimately, the town council agreed to elim-

“I can’t speak to what happened before I sat here, but today, in 2025, we don’t need to be financing anything,” she said. “When you come and sit at the table, ready to play like a big boy, you need to bring your big boy game with you and not come to us asking the town to finance that … Maybe at the time it was in place, it was needed. In 2017 when there wasn’t a lot of growth in Berlin. But right now, I think we are in a healthy place of growth.”

Tyndall and Bohlen argued that the town’s growth rate is a matter of perspective and is difficult to determine definitively.

Nichols also expressed her concerns about the impact continued EDU financing can have on affordable housing. She noted that Grauer’s request “pulled on the purse strings” of affordable housing and what the governing group wanted to hear, yet the units will likely be too pricey for many.

“Berlin is outpricing the folks who live here, the people who want to live here, and only making it affordable for the developer and those from the outside coming in,” she said.

Green argued that while he agreed the policy was poorly written and did vote in favor of its abolishment, he is open to flexibility, especially if developers are bringing in projects prioritizing the town’s overall strategic plan. The council member noted an individual interested in creating a mixed-use facility on Old Ocean City Boulevard as an example.

“[The developer] wants to put in a mixed-use project,” Green said. “We say we want mixed-use projects. He said he wants to put commercial on the bottom and apartments on top. He may need as many as 20 EDUs. I have no problem showing flexibility to that developer. I think we say we want mixed-use development, and not everybody is going to be able to come in and swing a $300,000 EDU expense in addition to the construction cost … I am not against government financing EDUs, but I don’t like this policy. It’s outdated. I’ll abandon the policy, but I do think we should consider working with the right kind of development we say we want in town.”

Burrell reiterated his concerns about the congestion issues financing EDUs could exacerbate, particularly Grauer’s project, which was approved last month.

“My primary reason [to vote against Grauer’s request] was because the devel-

Resident, Council

member disagree on financing goal

oper was adding multi-family dwellings to what I feel is an already exhausted area related to multi-family dwellings,” he said. “That was my biggest issue with that project…we should not further impact the quality of life on the east side of Berlin by jamming more multi-family dwellings in that limited space.”

Resident Gabe Purnell attended Monday night’s meeting. He argued for the continuation of the financing policy, maintaining that minorities and those without an excess of money should be given the opportunity to develop things for the town and its citizens.

“I’m trying to develop something on the east side, something I think we could use, and I’m going to need some EDUs,” he said. “And now you’re telling me I got to come in with the big boys … we gotta get back to where I want to get to — giving people an opportunity to pay for EDUs on time. I can’t afford to bring $100,000 in here and drop it. We like to be in the game, too. We like to offer some things to the community, too.”

Nichols disagreed with Purnell’s point. The council member maintained that developers asking for EDUs take these opportunities away from Berlin locals, as it increases housing costs.

“The folks asking for EDUs take people out of the running,” she said, addressing Purnell. “They can’t afford what these people are putting on the table. [Grauer] said that to put this housing on the second floor, he will have to charge at least $3,000 a month. Who is going to afford that? These people who want to overdevelop, the same developers asking for these EDUs, are going to put the people you think want to live there out.”

She also argued that this type of practice may impact minority representation.

“If these folks don’t have an address where they can vote, we won’t be sitting here because they won’t have an address that says Berlin proper to vote,” Nichols continued. “The more you give EDUs away, you push those folks out. You’re pushing out your vote. You’re pushing out your voice.”

The policy permitting developers to finance EDUs was ultimately eliminated. While no formal action was taken to create new guidelines, a few ideas were mentioned.

Berlin Finance Director Natalie Saleh, for instance, suggested that developers be given two options: they can pay for their EDUs outright or, if they choose to finance, pay the entire amount owed in phases before construction can begin.

As it currently stands, financing EDU requests will no longer be accepted for consideration by Berlin, and no new policy is on the table. Grauer’s project will remain intact, as will other financing contracts agreed upon before the elimination of the guidelines.

Eastern Shore

Physical

Therapy

Taylor House Museum opens for the season

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(March 28, 2025) Berlin’s Calvin B. Taylor House Museum will welcome visitors to its exhibits again this spring as the facility gears up to reopen its doors officially on Wednesday, April 2.

According to Taylor House President Melissa Reid, the museum opens annually in early May.

This season, however, the exhibition has moved its launch date up a month to give Berlin residents and visitors more time to explore the hall’s collection of historical material.

“We are going to open earlier this year,” Reid said. “We are excited about that. We are trying to make sure that we get the museum open so that more people can have an opportunity to come and visit.”

Beginning April 2, the facility will welcome attendees from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can stop by for a tour or learn about volunteer options and upcoming events.

In addition to the exhibits and guided tours, the museum boasts various programs throughout the year that strengthen its community presence and its mission of telling the stories of Berlin. A new event that recently debuted is “Fiction and Fiber Arts.” Individuals are encouraged to bring their crocheting, knitting, sewing, quilting, or

other fiber projects to the Taylor House’s parlor while a staff member reads aloud classic books.

A Fiber and Fiction Day featuring a reading of Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre” was held on Sunday, March 9, from noon to 4 p.m. The facility will host another similar day on Sunday, April 13, also from noon to 4 p.m. The classic story has yet to be selected.

“[Fiction and Fiber] gives you a chance to come and sit down in a historic space... and be able to appreciate it on a different level than if you were doing a guided tour,” Reid said. “We feel strongly that people understand that the Taylor House Museum was a lived home. People did live there. An event like this gives you a chance to sit in a space people would have lived in when the house was first built.”

The Calvin B. Taylor House was built in 1832 for Isaac Covington and his family. In the early 19th century, the structure was home to Robert J. Henry, who, according to the museum’s website, was “instrumental in bringing the railroad to Berlin.”

In the 1890s and the early 20th century, the house was occupied by its namesake, Calvin B. Taylor, and his wife, Mattie. The museum’s website notes that Taylor was an educator, lawyer, and founder of the Calvin B. Taylor Banking Company in Berlin.

The Fiction and Fiber event and other facility programs aim to highlight that the museum was once home to some of the town’s earliest residents and influential citizens.

The house will also host “Junior Historian” days, one of which is coming up on April 2. Reid said Junior Historians is geared toward upper elementary and lower middle school kids.

The young learners hear about aspects of Berlin life in the 1800s, interact with objects and artifacts from the facility’s collection, and complete a hands-on activity. The April 2 session is centered on scrapbooking. The kids will look at these old works and then make their own.

“We have some scrapbooks that go back to the 1850s,” Reid noted. “That's a good one because kids really like to see what people felt was important and what they collected in scrapbooks at that time.”

Also on the museum’s docket this spring is the third annual pig roast on Saturday, April 26 at 4 p.m. The event, sponsored by Burley Building Company, will feature brews from the Berlin Beer Company and music by the band Funk Shue. The occasion is free to enter, and platters and drinks are available for purchase.

On the same day as the pig roast, a ribbon cutting will be held for an official sign designating the Taylor House as an arboretum that will allow the public to see a variety of trees. Reid said these grounds will be named the Dr. Mary Humphreys Arboretum after the local woman and biology professor.

Humphreys, who lived on Baker Street before her passing in 2009, was dedicated to science and an early backer and researcher for the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum. The aboretum’s namesake also founded the Humphreys Foundation to offer financial aid to local charities, schools, and nonprofits.

“Humphreys was one of [the museum’s] earliest supporters,” Reid said. “She was a very noted historian in Berlin and was integral in founding the museum. Because of her biology connection, we felt it was appropriate [the arboretum] to be named after her.”

The arboretum was officially announced in 2022, making the Taylor House the first property in Worcester County to carry the classification. The facility’s lawn contains many significant trees, notably a sycamore called “The Healing Tree.”

Now, a ribbon cutting at the April 26 pig roast will unveil an official sign declaring the museum an arboretum.

Among other changes in store for the museum, Reid said those who want to view the structure’s secondfloor exhibit featuring the “Stories of Berlin” can do so this year.

In 2o26, through a partnership with Salisbury University, the facility is making modifications and creating new programs to celebrate the United States’s 250 anniversary. The festivities will include redoing the upstairs gallery to highlight the town’s restoration.

“If you haven't seen the secondfloor exhibit, you’ll want to come this year because it will be different next year,” Reid said.

Reid added that the gallery will highlight the changes in the town that created its current aesthetic.

“People think that the Berlin you see now is how it always looked,” she said. “The buildings were always there, but from the 1940s through the 1980s, most of those historic buildings were covered up… and most of the buildings were empty through the 1970s.

“We have some great before-andafter photographs of what that looked like. The new exhibit is going to focus on representing Berlin and how the focus on its historic assets really led Berlin to the way it looks now.”

The “Movies at the Museum” program is also set to return on select second Sundays of the month. Mother's Day, on May 11, will feature “Freaky Friday.” A July showing will feature “Runaway Bride,” parts of which were filmed in Berlin, and later in the year, residents can catch “Hocus Pocus” and “Night at the Museum.”

More information about the museum’s programs, events, exhibits, and tours can be found on its website at https://www.taylorhousemuseum.org/.

Ocean City to provide spring cleaning for city residents

(March 28, 2025) As spring has sprung in Ocean City, residents can take advantage of Ocean City’s Spring Clean Up on March 29.

This occurrence allows residential property owners to dispose large items through the Public Works Department’s yearly free residential bulk pick-up.

Eligible items include furniture, appliances, bicycles, carpet and other furnishing that cannot normally be

loaded into a standard refuse truck.

Yard debris and shrubs are also permitted, although the maximum diameter of tree limbs accepted is three inches. Full-size trees or materials from large remodeling projects are ineligible.

Residents can place all items curbside on Saturday, March 29 from 7 a.m. to noon.Commercial properties are not included. Call the Town of Ocean City’s Solid Waste Division at 410-524-0318 for more information.

Housing survey underway

Now through May 31, Worcester County residents are invited to participate in a community survey to voice their views regarding the most pressing housing issues facing the county today. The answers residents provide will help county officials determine community needs, challenges, and opportunities, as they update the 2004 Worcester County Housing Study.

The updated housing study will be designed to analyze current demographic, economic, and housing market trends, and provide a housing demand forecast for Worcester County through 2050. It will also identify and map substandard housing units within all jurisdictions of the County, identify potential funding sources that could be used to improve the housing stock, and provide recommendations for improvements to the Worcester County housing program to provide the highest and best use of funding and to provide a greater supply of affordable housing.

“Housing affordability is a major issue locally, so input from area residents will play a key role in helping us understand the needs of the community,” Development Review and Permitting (DRP) Director Jennifer Keener said. “Input from residents will also be incorporated into the Worcester County Comprehensive Plan by reference. We will use that information to direct policies affecting housing in the county.”

In Worcester County, 32% of homeowners and 54.7% of renters are considered housing burdened, which is defined as housing costs that exceed 30% of the household’s income. This can limit residents’ ability to pay for other expenses, like food, home repairs, medical care, childcare, and transportation.

“As part of our housing study, we will be using a variety of methods to get the message out to encourage local residents to participate, including

placing flyers at County libraries, community centers, and other public locations,” DRP Deputy Director Matt Laick said. “We’ll also be utilizing social media and other outreach efforts to ensure everyone has the opportunity to give their input.”

The 22-question survey takes just five to 10 minutes to complete and is available in English at www.surveymonkey.com/r/WorcesterHousing and in Spanish at www.surveymonkey.com/r/Worcester-Housing-SP.

Worcester County received a Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) grant to contract with Matrix Design Group, Inc. to update the 2004 Substandard Housing Study and 2004 Affordable Housing Report (Worcester County Housing Study 2004).

OC ParkMobile transition

The Town of Ocean City is modernizing its parking payment system by removing traditional parking kiosks and implementing payment via ParkMobile.

As part of these improvements to the town’s parking management division, this transition enhances convenience, streamlines operations, and supports Ocean City’s ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability, city officials said.

Beginning April 1, 2025, visitors and residents can manage their paid parking through the ParkMobile app, providing a contactless experience the town has already been using.

ParkMobile, a trusted platform for parking services nationwide, allows users to pay for parking, extend time remotely, and receive real-time alerts all from their smartphones.

Parking kiosks will be removed everywhere throughout town except for the inlet parking lot in 2025. The Inlet parking lot kiosks will be re-

moved in 2026.

While traditional kiosks will be phased out, Ocean City will maintain informational signage to assist users with navigating the new system. Additionally, users will be able to pay via QR code (online), text feature or by phone. Customer support will be available through ParkMobile’s helpline for those who need assistance.

The Town residents and visitors to familiarize themselves with the ParkMobile system before the full implementation to ensure a smooth transition. For more information, visit https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/oce an-city-parking/.

Health department grant

The Worcester County Health Department has received grant funding to address healthy food access and nutrition education in Worcester County.

This is part of a $7.1 million community investment by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), one of the country’s largest not-for-profit healthcare organizations, to combat diabetes.

The Worcester County Health Department and project partners — Chesapeake Health Care, University of Maryland Extension, Worcester County Library, Worcester County Public Schools, and community garden partners — will use this funding to implement “Cooking up Health in Worcester: A Nourishing Neighbors Program.”

The goals of the project are to improve local food access and to increase nutrition education and literacy.

The program is designed to improve the public’s access and knowledge of healthy food; increase knowledge and now to empower grow, cook, and preserve healthy food.

“This program will teach residents how to plant, grow, cook, eat, and preserve nutritious food all with the goal

of improving the health of our county,” said county health officer Rebecca Jones.

The grant is part of CareFirst’s Place-Based Grants Initiative, aimed at empowering local nonprofits and public health agencies across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia to address diabetes and foodrelated chronic conditions.

Worcester County Health Department is one of 30 organizations in the region to receive the grant.

50th anniversary planned

Wor-Wic Community College is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. From a “college without walls” to a 200-acre campus, the school has grown significantly since its founding in 1975.

Originally known as Wor-Wic Tech Community College, it was the only school of its kind in Maryland that offered education and training programs by leasing existing facilities at its founding, rather than starting with a campus. In 1975, the college was approved by the state and Dr. Arnold Maner was named president of the college. The first class, “The Licensed Practical Nurse as a Charge Nurse,” was held at the Holly Center in Salisbury.

In the beginning, the college’s administrative office was in the old Salisbury Mall. By the fall of 1976, 200 students were enrolled in fall credit classes in seven programs of study.

Over the years, the college dropped “Tech” from its name, moved its offices several times and held classes in many different locations. In 1994, the college finally got its walls – the first building, now known as Brunkhorst Hall, opened in August 1994 in the current campus location on the corner of Walston Switch Road and Route 50 in Salisbury. Following Maner’s retirement in 2000, Dr. Ray Hoy became president, steering the institution through transformative decades until 2023, when Deborah Casey, Ph.D., began her tenure as Wor-Wic’s third president.

Friday, April 18th • 10am-5pm Saturday, April 19th • 10am-5pm

Today, Wor-Wic’s vibrant campus is a testament to its commitment to progress. Students benefit from 10 modern buildings, a café, a bookstore and a child care center.

These facilities empower students in fields like healthcare, criminal justice, education, hospitality and cutting-edge technical careers, ensuring a skilled workforce ready to drive the region’s growth. In fiscal year 2023, Wor-Wic added $148.9 million in income to the economy of the Lower Shore of Maryland, a value approximately equal to 1.5% of the region’s total gross regional product.

Wor-Wic will celebrate its half-century throughout 2025 with special events and activities all year long, including a reading by Ada Limón, U.S. poet laureate, on Wednesday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m.

Family’s fire service legacy dates to 1943

Michael Todd Contributing Writer

(March 28, 2025) This week we recognize Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company member Chris Murtha, whose family tradition of emergency service spans back to 1932 and whose journey with OCVFC has helped shape both his personal and professional life.

After high school, Murtha attended trade school and earned certification as a medical assistant, which became his gateway into healthcare. Since 2018, he has worked in various healthcare roles, from supply chain management to operating room technician. Currently, he serves in occupational safety, where he is assigned to several emergency response teams, including hazardous materials and confined space teams, responding to emergencies throughout the hospital.

Murtha's fire service career began long before joining OCVFC. In October 2004, he became a junior firefighter with Elsmere Fire Company. He also participated in the Wilmington Fire Department Explorer Post 100, which allowed him to travel to the University of Illinois and Texas A&M for national competitions.

It was a recruitment video on social media that first introduced Murtha to

OCVFC. "Being able to serve and protect the beach was a huge influence for me joining the volunteers," he explains. "OCVFC also has a live-in program which also influenced me in joining." He was sworn into OCVFC in May 2016 and has since progressed from probationary member to interior firefighter to senior firefighter, and now serves as a crew leader assigned to C-Platoon.

During his time with OCVFC, Murtha has responded to numerous significant emergencies, including a plane crash on the beach, a water rescue at 98th Street, a condo fire on 72nd Street, the Mad Fish fire, a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian on 12th Street, and a CPR call on 23rd Street and the boardwalk.

"All these emergency responses helped me gain knowledge in different situations," Murtha notes. "The communication between all the organizations involved showed how different styles of commands can equal out in helping to achieve one goal. That one goal is to serve and protect the community of Ocean City where they are residents or tourists."

One of the most significant aspects of Murtha's experience with OCVFC was participating in the live-in program at Station 5 in West Ocean City. "Station

5 will always be home, and I am grateful for the opportunity I had in living there," he shares. "Other than joining the fire service at a young age, joining Ocean City as an associate member and becoming a live-in at Station 5 is one of the best moves I have ever made. I was

able to move away from home and move to an area and join a department where I knew absolutely no one. It helped me grow up and helped me gain friendships that will last a lifetime."

The bonds formed through OCVFC have extended far beyond the firehouse. "Most memorable experiences for me would be being a groomsman for one of my live-in roommate's wedding. Then when I got married in April of 2024, three of my friends who I consider more family that I gained through joining OCVFC drove the two hours and twenty minutes to be groomsmen

in my wedding. It meant a lot to me seeing them up there with me."

Murtha considers his father, who retired as a Captain from the City of Wilmington Fire Department assigned to Squad Co. 1, as his primary mentor in the fire service. "I am the firefighter I am today because of him. He expected more out of me than I did myself. He pushed me to take any training available and never be afraid to ask a question to gain any knowledge you can."

For those considering joining the cadet program, Murtha advises, "Enjoy every second of it, take all the training you can, soak all the knowledge up. ... enjoy making friends and attending the cadet events as much as possible. Firefighting as a profession changes every day — attend as much training as possible from the time you join as a cadet and any other point of time in your firefighting journey.

"I've responded to plane crashes, water rescues, boat accidents, vehicle accidents, residential and commercial fires.”

We thank Chris for his dedicated service to OCVFC and for continuing his family's proud tradition of emergency service.

For membership information or to learn more, visit ocvfc.com.

Chris Murtha

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Best Beats On The Beach

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY 28th Street Coastal Hwy. Saturday, March 29: TBA

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192 15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, March 28: Dueling Pianos Saturday, March 29: Schizophrenic Boogiemen

CRABCAKE

FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE

Sunday, March 30: Jim Mateo Wednesday, April 2: Bilenki Duo

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, March 28: Uncultured Swine Saturday, March 29: LNJ Sessions

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay Friday, March 28: Betty White Stripes Saturday, March 29: Mark Bray & The Steel Soul Cowboys & DJ Vybe

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500 Route 611, West OC Friday, March 28: Johnny Cardo Every Wednesday: Bingo w/ Blake

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, March 28

BLAKE HALEY Seacrets: Thursday, April 3

DJ CRUZ Seacrets: Friday & Saturday March 28 & 29

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Fridays BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays

DJ VYBE Fager’s Island: Saturday, March 29

DJ BIGLER Harborside: Saturday, March 29

Who’s Where When

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Fridays: DJ Billy T

Saturday, March 29:

Cecilias Fall & DJ Bigler

Sundays:

Opposite Directions

Thursdays: Dust N Bones

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Saturday, March 29: 9 Mile Roots

Sundays: Beats By Styler

Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays:

Beats By Madame Dutchess

Thursdays: Beats By Connair

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts.

On The Boards

Friday & Saturday, March 28 & 29: DJ Madame Dutchess & Dwayne Wilson Band

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, March 28: Element K Duo, Stealing Savanah, DJ Cruz & DJ Connair

Saturday, March 29: Light Up The Moon, Radio Stranger, DJ Cruz & DJ Davie

Thursday, April 3: Blake Haley & DJ E-State

DWAYNE WILSON BAND

Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, March 28 & 29

9 MILE ROOTS Pickles Pub: Saturday, March 29

LIGHT UP THE MOON Seacrets: Saturday, March 29

BETTY WHITE STRIPES Fager’s Island: Friday, March 28

SCHIZOPHRENIC BOOGIEMEN Coins Pub: Saturday, March 29

PICKIN’ PARTY

Harborside: Sunday, March 30

BILENKI DUO

Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, April 2

MARK BRAY & THE STEAL SOUL COWBOYS Fager’s Island: Saturday, March 29

by Steve Green

IThe Adventures of Fatherhood

literally fell asleep during a latenight talk with my teenager the other night.

I have done this once or twice to Pam over the years during a conversation. When it has happened, it understandably does not make it her feel great. I blame it on exhaustion.

There is a point in the evening when I do become a sleep risk. I am an early riser and do quite a lot through the course of a day. Therefore, by about 10 at night, I am pretty much wiped out. It’s as if my battery just runs out.

It’s interesting that around this same time of night is typically when Beckett comes down to talk. Beckett does not like long talks on serious subjects, but he does love to engage on easy topics and to express his opinions on things on his mind. It seems at this time of night he likes to hold court, as if he’s been holding some comments in for a couple hours and he’s ready to share.

One night recently, Pam had already gone to bed as she was sick. I suspect I probably fell asleep watching a game on TV at some point before Beckett came flying down the steps wanting to show me something on You Tube. It was a video of a football wide receiver doing a flip into the end zone for a touchdown from years ago. He then proceeded to show me some other things, like a vulgar stand-up comedian waxing about the joys and ills of coming back from vacation.

As he was talking, some recent posts on Raising Teens Today came to mind:

“7 a.m.: I don’t want to talk about it.

11 a.m.: I don’t want to talk about it.

2 p.m.: I don’t want to talk about it.

6 p.m.: I don’t want to talk about it.

11 p.m.: You might want to get comfortable because I’m going to tell you every nitty-gritty detail of what happened in my life today.”

Another one was:

7 a.m.: tired

9 a.m.: tired

1 p.m.: tired

4 p.m.: tired

8 p.m.: tired

10 p.m.: totally wired

Another post read:

No matter what time, wherever you are, drop whatever you are doing if your teenager comes to you wanting to talk. You won’t regret it Soon they will be out of the house and you miss these seemingly meaningless chats.

Despite all my searching, I didn’t find anything about making sure you stay awake while they are talking to you.

On this particular evening, Beckett, 16, had a host of videos he wanted to show me. The problem was it was 11 at night and I was exhausted. Nonetheless, I didn’t want to turn him away, so I watched the videos all set to the silly music he dubbed – he would use a different word most likely — over.

Around 11:20 p.m., I realized I had fallen asleep on the couch but he was not there. I went upstairs and he was asleep in his bed. The next day I asked him what happened to him and he replied something along the lines of, “when you fell asleep during the video, I just let you be.” I told him to show some more of those posts he wanted to share with me. He declined, saying he didn’t feel like it now. I encouraged him to show me later on this evening, maybe before 10:30 though.

I spent the next few days encouraging him to show me what he was talking about. It appears I lost my window because I am still waiting. Or, it’s possible he came to show me one recent night while I was asleep.

When my kids walk into a room, there are times when I do a double take.

Like most houses with school-aged kids, the mornings are a bit chaotic. My teens have become good about getting up on their own for school. Each have strengths and weaknesses on this front,

but by and large Beckett, 16, and Carson, 15, do a fine job of being independent.

There were many years when I wondered if we were not around to wake them up whether they would sleep right through their first period classes. Nowadays, I hear their alarms from downstairs and soon after I hear the familiar stomping of teen feet on the second floor.

One morning this week Beckett came into the kitchen without his shirt on, and it hit me how much he is changing physically. It also helped that he bumped me out of his way in a halfasleep mode to get to the fridge, saying, “morning, dog.” As hard as it was for me to understand, I got no response back from him when I replied, “morning, cat.”

These physical changes are not always as obvious when you see your kids multiple times every day. It’s something I feel blessed to be able to experience. Many parents travel for work, and I am fortunate to be able to be present daily.

As for Carson, it’s a similar situation as far as the physical changes. He’s a big, heavy-set kid. When he comes around the corner with a head of steam, I am not interested in that sort of run in with Carson. Similar scenarios unfold with him as I marvel over how much he has grown over the years.

One of his most unique physical traits is Carson’s hair literally stands straight up. His curly hair has natural lift in all directions. It’s fun to play with, but I’m sure he doesn’t find it entertaining when I push down on his hair and giggle when it immediately pops back out. As he grows closer to my height, I do it less and less because of the look he gives me in his non-verbal way.

(The writer is the executive editor of OC Today-Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com.)

Free computer classes for vets planned in spring

(March 28, 2025) Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1091 in Ocean City will hold two free computer classes for veterans.

The first class, scheduled for April 4 at 11 a.m., will introduce participants to basic computer skills. The second class, set for May 2 at 11 a.m., will teach attendees how to set up an email account and connect with others online.

Participants should bring a laptop or contact Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1091 to borrow a laptop. Classes will be held at American Legion Post 166 at 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City.

Associates of the Vietnam Veterans of America is a nonprofit organization established to support all veterans and their families. For additional information, contact Marie Gilmore, chapter president, at 410-726-2881, or email OPMarie@aol.com.

SURF REPORT

St.

Patrick’s Day swell cheered on with spring arrival

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(March 21, 2025) The hoped-for St. Patrick’s Day swell that was referenced in a previous report made an appearance on Monday, March 17.

Apparently St. Patrick interceded to the almighty. Due to strong southerly winds from a front passing through the area, we had a shoulder high wave event, give or take, that lasted through the day. Naturally the swell varied with the changing tide, but coupled with the offshore northwest wind that blew behind the front, clean conditions could be had.

The only trick was finding a spot in town that was breaking far enough off the beach so as not to end up getting slammed into the sand, unless one headed to Assateague Island at a lower tide.

March is traditionally a month of transition. One day it feels like spring, the next day it’s back to winter.

Spring at the beach might be better described as the latent winter, especially since our ocean beaches are situated between the Atlantic and the various back bays. We’re basically an island off the large Delmarva Peninsula that is, more or less, out to sea.

At any rate keep a close watch on the ever changing weather. The next good swell could be just around the corner.

- Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City

Scrumptious shrimp salad a must

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(March 28, 2025) Scrumptious shrimp salad is back by popular demand and the subject of the day. This particular seafood salad not only delights the eye but excites the palate. The tasty crustacean is America’s favorite seafood and a brief review follows.

All shrimp are not the same and specifics become a key ingredient. Each species has their own characteristics and the flavor and texture of shrimp are influenced by the waters they come from and what they eat.

For example, wild shrimp feed on seaweed and crustaceans which gives them a more enriched taste and thicker shells. The end result – cooking time should be slightly increased. Finessing through the realm of subtleties ensure perfection and confidence.

The next time one purchases shrimp, take a closer look at the label and you will notice a set of numbers divided by a slash. This number, called the count, tells you the size of the shrimp. The count refers to the number of individual shrimps in one pound. So, if the label reads 21/25; you can expect to get 21 to 25 shrimp per pound.

Fresh is always better, but frozen shrimp is perfectly acceptable. When it goes on sale, that is the time I stock up.

Avoid shrimp that has been peeled before freezing. There is a good chance the flavor has been compromised.

Whether or not shrimp should be deveined is really a question of aesthetics. Most chefs will not devein medium-sized or smaller shrimps. But anything larger must be deveined. The black “vein” that runs along the back of the shrimp is actually its digestive tract. These veins are edible but if eaten can taste gritty and dirty, particularly with the larger shrimp.

Overcooking shrimp is the most common mistake for the novice chef. Shrimp should be cooked quickly in order to preserve their sweet, delicate flavors. As soon as the flesh turns opaque, remove from the heat source. Remember, the shrimp will continue to cook for several minutes as it cools.

A reminder of shrimp etiquette is always welcomed. If one orders a shrimp cocktail in a restaurant, an oyster fork should be provided and used. Do not pick up the shrimp with your fingers.

However, if shrimp are served on a plate with no oyster fork, pick up the shrimp by the tail and eat it in one bite if it is not too large. Otherwise, eat it in two bites.

Deep-fried shrimp are meant to be

eaten with your fingers. If eating shrimp on a skewer, slide the shrimp off onto the plate. Skewered shrimp should never be eaten like a “corndog.” When eating Asian dishes that include shrimp with the tail, remove the tail with a knife and fork and set it to the side of your plate or a separate “discard dish” if one is provided.

Shrimp salad is a refreshing dish that can be served year-round. Details are what distinguishes one recipe from the other.

Larger shrimp enhances the overall presentation and essence of the shrimp. Cook the shrimp with the shells on, the shells have a lot of flavor.

Onions contain a lot of natural juices which makes for a soggy salad. Using paper towels, squeeze out the excess liquid after they have been chopped.

I use a lot of celery, and general have an older and newer stalk. A softer celery is preferred because it allows the shrimp to be the star of the dish. If your celery is very fresh, make sure you chop it into very small pieces.

We love our Old Bay seasoning on the Eastern Shore. Add a little Old Bay to the actual shrimp salad and a dusting as a garnish. It not only adds a great taste but is indicative of Delmarva Peninsula.

In closing, if your mouth is watering for some succulent shrimp salad, you

must give this recipe a try. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. Enjoy!

Scrumptious Shrimp Salad

Ingredients

1-pound deveined shrimp (16/20) ¼ cup sweet onion, finely chopped ¼ cup celery, finely chopped 1/3 cup favorite mayonnaise

Old Bay seasoning to taste kosher salt to taste

1. Steam the shrimp just until they are cooked. Immediately remove from heat and place on a cooling rack. When cooled, remove shells and tails.

2. Using paper towels, squeeze the natural juices out of the onions and celery.

3. Combine all of the ingredients and mix thoroughly. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

4. Garnish with a dusting of Old Bay seasoning.

Secret Ingredient-Specifics I think we are living a life without specificity and then our lives become abstractions.

- Terry Tempest Williams

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

The Ocean City Fishing Pier is under construction in this postcard image circa 1906 but the Pier Building is still in the future. Work began in 1904 and was completed in time for the 1907 season. The original permanent Boardwalk can also be seen. Built in 1885, it was narrow and raised above the sand; bathers would often sit under it to seek shelter from the sun.

There was no Inlet in 1907 so the Pier was the only way that anglers of that era could fish beyond the surf. The original Fishing Pier burned down in the Great Fire of 1925 that destroyed two blocks of Ocean City as well as the Pier Building, two hotels, and the electric power plant.

The Pier was rebuilt and continues to serve Ocean City’s recreational fishing needs today.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Postcard image courtesy David Dypsky

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Finding cash in clothes

An excited dog at the bank drive-thru

No-wrinkle pants

College students majoring in special ed

How a team improves through a season

Before and after pics of a yard project

The first Monday off on vacation

Dinner leftovers for lunch

A hammock between two trees on a beach

Working a breaking news story

Youth coaches who keep their perspective

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON

DRY DOCK 28

28th Street, Ocean City, 410-289-0973, buxys.com, drydockoc.com

Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, pierogis, egg-rolls and homemade crab dip. Dry Dock also features a full menu with soups, salads, kick starters, pierogis and craft pizza.

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-289-7192, captainstableoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood. Breakfast daily 7:30-11 a.m.

Open daily for dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 49 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 p.m.

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Closed Monday. Open Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out.

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

■ CRAWL STREET

19 Wicomico St., Ocean City, 443-373-2756, crawlstreet.com

Established in 2020 just a short walk from the legendary Cork Bar. Don’t leave without trying the famous wings, but everything on the menu is solid, including flatbreads, tacos, salads, sandwiches and seafood platters. Be sure to check out the live music offerings as the nightlife is top of the line.

■ DISTRICT 24 CRAFT BAR & JAY’S CAFÉ 2305 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City 410-2893322, district24oc.com

Breakfast, coffee, pastries, beer, pizza and cocktails. Jay’s Café opens Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Craft Bar opens Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. There’s more at District 24.

■ HARBOR WATCH

806 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410-2895121, www.harborwatchrestaurant.com

$$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

Celebrating our 40th anniversary with fresh seafood, an award-winning raw bar, mouthwatering steaks and the best view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Open all March, Thursday through Sunday; Happy Hour: Thursday and Sunday, all night long featuring $4 all beer, $8 crushes, $10 select apps, $6 glass of select wine. Call for banquet and large-party details.

■ PICKLES PUB

706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-289-4891, picklesoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving lunch, dinner and entire diverse menu until 1 a.m. Also nightly entertainment year-round and a great place to watch all the sports on an ocean of televisions including a giant high-def screen. Also four pool tables on site. Lunch and dinner and entire menu until 1 a.m. Open all year from 11:30 a.m.-2

a.m., seven days a week.

■ PIT & PUB

2706 Philadelphia Ave. and 12701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com

Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub and the Northside Pit & Pub are known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy hour daily. Family-friendly atmospheres at both locations. Weekend entertainment.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM

32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410-2892525, 32palm.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year!

■ THE BONFIRE

71st Street, Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-5247171, thebonfirerestaurant.com

Celebrating 50 years as the best seafood and prime rib buffet in Ocean City. It’s all here – the service, the atmosphere and finest, freshest seafood available and quality meats. Save room for the decadent desserts available as well including homemade donuts.

■ FAGERS ISLAND

201 60th St., Ocean City, 410-524-5500, fagers.com

$$ | Full bar

Dine on the island with an award-winning bayfront restaurant featuring American & Regional dining with a global influence and popular destination featuring impeccably prepared American and Pacific Rim cuisine. Also enjoy our outdoor decks and bar with live entertainment and 32 wines by the glass. A place where the joy of food & the presence of the table are of utmost importance. Dine on fresh seafood and our famous Prime Rib. Enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water. Open 11 a.m. daily. Fine dine at 4:30 p.m.

■ HOOKED

8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-7234665, hookedoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and well-made food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available. Open daily 11:30 a.m.

■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ

6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-6645693, longboardcafe.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made. We use fresh local sources wherever possible and premium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday. Call for reservations.

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT

3301 Atlantic Ave., in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com

$$ | Full bar

Winner of the Maryland People's choice award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, locally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring drink specials. Breakfast, 7:30-11:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.; and Bar open noon to 11 p.m.

■ SEACRETS

49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms in our outdoor, kid

friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.

UPTOWN

91st to 146th streets

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY

13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-2502000, albertinosoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, Italian-American mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection.

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS 118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com

The Carousel Oceanfront Resort offers a family friendly casual dining experience with their Reef 118 restaurant. Offering dinner Thursday through Saturday from 5-9 p.m., featuring AYCE Crab legs. Serving breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. Their new "Go for 2" happy hour features $10 appetizers as a buy one get one free. $1 oysters during all open hours.

■ THE CRAB BAG

13005 Coastal Highway Ocean City, 410-2503337, thecrabbag.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA

120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410-2504900, crabcakefactoryusa.com

Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.

■ NORI SUSHI BAR & GRILL

11403 Coastal Highway, Gold Coast Mall next to Sophia’s, Ocean City 443-880-6258, norioc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Voted Ocean City's best sushi, offering a full-service bar, fresh sushi bar, seafood entrees, fried rice, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free sushi and more. Open year-round, every day from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

■ SOPHIA'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

11405 Coastal Highway, Gold Coast Mall, Ocean City 410-723-5188, www.sophiasitalianrestaurantoceancity.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Full service offering entrees, pizza, subs, apps and salads. Expand your horizons with delicious options like sandwiches, calzones, and more. Try the cheese and tomato pizza and see why it's such a local favorite. Call us to order takeout or catering. Monday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

13801 Coastal Highway, located in the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

Enjoy a wonderful meal overlooking the ocean and bay. Some of the most unique views in Ocean City. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. New this year is a boozy brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.

FENWICK ISLAND

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-988-5000, CCFBayside.com

Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available. Open daily year-round. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Philly-style cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu.

■ DIRTY HARRY’S

100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302539-3020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys

$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cooking at its finest. Owned and operated by Ginny Swann and family for 19 years. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for lunch and dinner, too.

■ NANTUCKETS

Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com

Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.

■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY (CLOSED UNTIL MARCH)

Rte. 54, Fenwick Island, Del., 302-436-2305, twiningshanty.com

Reservations | Kids’ Menu

“A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England fare, lobsters, steaks and burgers. Bird watching and magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.

OCEAN PINES

■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE

100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, Oceanpinesgolf.org/dining

$$ | Full bar

Indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping views of the 18th green and pond, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items with a full bar menu.

■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB

1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410-6417222, www.OPYachtclub.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

12736 Ocean Gateway, Route 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-213-1804, breakfastcafeofoc.com

All the traditional breakfast options available here in a casual, diner setting. Open daily closing at 2 p.m.

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL

12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried. Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bar open til 11 p.m.

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

West Ocean City: Route 50 east; Boardwalk locations: 501 S. Philadelphia Ave., 49th Street, 123rd Street, Ocean City, dumsersdairyland.com

This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.’s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser’s is celebrating decades of serving the shore, and the ‘40s-style décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 49th and 124th streets locations offer vast lunch and dinner menus (breakfast too at 124th) in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats.

■ GREENE TURTLE WEST Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500 Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out.

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL

12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410-2131846, weocharborside.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Home of the original Orange Crush drink with an extensive menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, fresh seafood, steak & pasta entrees, as well as juicy burgers and sandwiches. Whether seeking a full dining experience or just a crush or two, the team will be sure to take excellent care of you and yours. Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

School board reviews Blueprint plan update

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(March 28, 2025) As Worcester County Public Schools continues to implement the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, the system recently updated community members about the successes and challenges of introducing the educational plan.

WCPS hosted two sessions detailing four of the pillars required under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, an act passed in 2021 to expand and improve student outcomes and educational quality.

During the system’s first session, Chief Academic Officer Denise Shorts reviewed pillar one, which she said emphasizes “equitable early childhood opportunities for all of our students.”

To begin with, Shorts highlighted the school system’s success in implementing pillar one.

A notable win is the expansion of publicly funded pre-kindergarten for all four-year-olds and low-income three-year-olds.

In the 2019-2020 school year, WCPS had an enrollment of 432 for pre-k. In 2024-2025, that figure increased to 549. Shorts said that this was accomplished through expansion grant opportunities.

“We now have at least one pre-k three full-day program in each of our elementary schools and two in our Title I schools,” the academic officer said. “We have three in one of our highest poverty schools, Pocomoke Elementary School. We have 60 three-year-olds attending that at PES and couldn’t have done that without the expansion grant.”

Shorts added that WCPS is one of the only school systems in Maryland with all-

day four-year-old programs. Each of the five elementary schools has sections of pre-k4, which Shorts said is made possible through recruitment efforts.

Pillar one has also presented some challenges. Shorts said that some parents find enrolling their children in local childcare more feasible than WCPS-affiliated early childcare options, due to before- and after-care programs.

“School hours are school hours,” Shorts said.

For some parents, their schedules are more aligned with the hours that the before and after programs offer that, while available in the upper-level WCPS, is not an everyday staple of the elementary schools.

“We have dabbled in some pilot programs in our elementary schools but have been unable to sustain those,” Shorts noted. “We are making great strides, but we have some challenges.”

During the same Blueprint information session, WCPS Chief Safety and Academic Officer Annette Wallace presented pillar three, college and career readiness. This benchmark aims to ensure that each student is deemed college and career ready by tenth grade.

A success for pillar three at WCPS includes dual enrollment courses offered via partnerships with the area’s surrounding colleges. According to Wallace, enrollment for these classes has increased from 309 students to 548 students since the

Blueprint’s inception.

While funding is a challenge, Wallace added that one of her goals is to secure the financial backing and work out a deal with the Eastern Shore’s higher institutions so that students can graduate with an associate’s degree on the same day they receive their high school diploma.

“The financial benefit that has for families, the barriers that knock down for first-generation college students, are huge,” Wallace said. “I think it’s something that should be offered to our kids.”

Since the creation of the Blueprint, enrollment in Advanced Placement courses has also risen by nearly 200 students across the system’s high schools.

A crucial challenge of pillar three is securing the funding needed to create the pathway to dual enrollment expansion, which would allow young learners to receive their associate’s degrees and high school diplomas concurrently.

Earlier this month, officials provided additional details about pillars two and four in a separate Blueprint information session.

Assistant Superintendent of Human Relations and Safety Dwayne Abt presented pillar two. This pillar aims to attract, retain, and train high-quality and diverse teachers and leaders and raise the starting teacher pay to $60,000 by 2027.

“We want to make sure we have competitive salaries,” Abt said.

A recent success in the category was

WCPS’s ability to meet the Blueprintmandated 10% salary increase in fiscal year 2024.

A challenge, however, is funding constraints that will stress the ability to meet the $60,000 requirement by FY27. This issue is particularly pressing given the budget shortfall plaguing the state of Maryland.

“With the announcement of the $3 billion deficit, there is concern there will be insufficient funds to meet the pillar,” Abt said.

Lauren Williams, WCPS coordinator of school health services, presented the system’s efforts to implement pillar four, which is focused on strengthening wraparound services, expanding behavioral health partnerships, and improving services offered to multilingual students and students with disabilities.

Some success of this task is the school system’s hosting of events targeted at multilingual learners, with a focus on English language acquisition and professional learning for staff related to skills to identify, prevent, and de-escalate crises.

According to Williams, enrollment of multilingual students has increased 23%.

“We don’t have funding to expand our staff, and so providing enough services and support as enrollment increases is a challenge,” she noted.

Despite a few roadblocks, officials maintain they are working to implement the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

(March 28, 2025) Ocean 98.1 WOCMFM with presenting sponsor Seacrets Distilling Company will hold its 17th Annual “Best Bloody Mary on the Shore” Contest on Sunday, April 13, noon-3 p.m. in the Morley Hall at Seacrets. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Ocean 98 “Cash for College” Fund. The $20 entry fee charged at the door will provide each attendee a judge’s ballot and allows for unlimited tastings of the Bloody Mary’s prepared for the event by some of the community’s best restaurants.

‘Seacrets Distilling Company returns as the event’s presenting sponsor, and will provide Seacrets Distilling Company Vodka to each competing restaurant to be used for their competing entry. The Ocean 98 “Cash for College” fund provides a $5,000 cash award each year for an outstanding high school senior in Worcester, Wicomico and Sussex counties.

Board certified

nurses honored by Atlantic General

(March 28, 2025) Atlantic General Hospital and Health System celebrated Certified Nurses Day on March 19 by honoring its board certified nurses. Certified Nurses Day is a worldwide day of recognition that occurs every year to celebrate nursing specialty, subspecialty and advanced practice certification. This day is the perfect opportunity to thank certified nurses for their dedication. The following nurses were recognized: Administration: Ann Bergey; Mandy Bounds

Atlantic General Bariatric Center: Angela Simmons

Atlantic General Diabetes Center: Patti Yocubik

Atlantic General Endoscopy Center: Anne Kay; Teresa Moore

Atlantic General Health System: Mary D. Mason

Case Management/Care Coordination: Lauren Budd; Karen Christmas; Charles Gizara; Nicole Morris

Dialysis Care: Heidi Fink

Education Department: Amy Edwards

Emergency Department: Eunice Esposito; Stacy Fisher; Melissa Lynch; Melanie Smith; Laura Sturla; Andi West-McCabe; Katharine Widdowson

Imaging Department: Jodie Connelly; Angela ‘Monique’ Welch

Infection Prevention: Erin Howard

Intensive Care Unit: Jen Chisley; Teresa Niblett

Medical Infusion: Judy Cowger

Medical-Surgical: Rebecca Foster; Laura Krieger; Melissa Thompson; Kayla Wallace

Patient Care Supervisor: Sara McClure

Quality Department: Bonita Conner

Surgical Services: Amy Holloway; Marylou Buck; Christy Berry; Jekaterina Diehlmann; John Goodman; Milette Hacek; Leanne Wiedner; Lori Leibowitz; Ann Lynch; Patricia Ortlip; Ramona Swartz; Brittany Upman

Regional Cancer Care Center: Stephanie Ellis; Samantha Myszka

Seated, from left, are Andi West-McCabe; Sara McClure; Melissa Lynch; Judy Cowger; Amy Edwards; Patricia Ortlip. Standing, from left, are Christy Berry; Jekaterina Diehlmann; Lori Leibowitz; Patti Yocubik; Kayla Wallace; Rebecca Foster; Laura Krieger; Bonita Conner; Erin Howard; and Milette Hacek. SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, you may encounter some stubborn people this week and that always has the potential for confrontation. Make yourself scarce if conversations veer in the wrong direction.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Things might not be lining up perfectly for a whirlwind trip right now, Taurus. Don’t let it get you down. In a few more weeks, an entirely different story may emerge.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, this is a good opportunity to begin clearing up the clutter in your life. Start tackling the mess as soon as possible and enjoy the weight being lifted off your shoulders.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Try not to sweat the small stuff right now, Cancer. It often is easier said than done, but the little things could be dimming your light unnecessarily. Seek the support of positive people.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, there are plenty of opportunities available to you now whether you realize it or not. Keep an open mind and equally open eyes to see if you can spot chances to learn and grow.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, your mind and heart are simply not able to let something go that happened in the past. Your emotions may feel restricted because of it. It’s a passing thing and will resolve.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, you are going through a period of evaluation of certain things in your life. This may bring about tension and even some friction, but it’s a necessary step for you.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

This week there may be a weighty air that puts a damper on your jovial nature, Scorpio. Instead of getting down on yourself, use this time to focus and get a job done.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, you have a chance to make tremendous progress and further your career. It will take hard work, but the rewards will start to roll in soon enough.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Avoid questioning superiors or those in positions of authority right now, Capricorn. This is a surefire path into hot water. Take a break and sort through negative emotions.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, you might be going through a time of great preparation with a focus on building a major life project. This is not to be taken lightly and will require a lot of attention.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

There may be a sober feeling to the week that leaves you feeling a bit down, Pisces. Focus on finishing projects and these feelings will pass by before you know it.

Youth Art Month celebrated with special exhibition

(March 28, 2025) In celebration of Youth Art Month, the Worcester County Arts Council (WCAC) proudly presents an inspiring exhibition showcasing artwork created by students from Cedar Chapel Special School.

This special exhibit is part of their I Heart Poetry – Anthology of Free Verse project, highlighting the creative talents and expressive voices of these young artists.

Several students attended the opening reception on Friday, March 14 with their families, teachers, and friends, adding to the joyful and supportive atmosphere of the event.

Their artwork, now on display at the WCAC Gallery, located at 6 Jefferson St. in Berlin, offers a unique opportunity for the community to experience their perspectives through art and poetry.

As part of their creative journey, students used the Expanding Expression Tool (EET) to enhance their descriptive and artistic skills.

"We are thrilled to showcase the incredible talents of Cedar Chapel Special School students," said Anna Mullis, executive director of the Worcester County Arts Council. "Art is a powerful tool for self-expression, and

it is essential to create inclusive opportunities where all students, regardless of ability, can share their voices and perspectives with the community."

Youth Art Month is a national initiative that emphasizes the vital role of arts education in fostering creativity, self-confidence, and communication skills in students. It also recognizes the dedication of educators who nurture artistic expression and provide students with the tools to explore their creativity.

The Worcester County Arts Council encourages the community to view the exhibit and support these talented young artists. Don’t miss this inspiring exhibition that showcases the beauty of artistic expression and the power of inclusive arts education.

For more information, please contact the Worcester County Arts Council at www.worcestercountyartscouncil.org.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Opening reception attendees include, from left, Tamara Mills, WCPS fine arts supervisor; Anna Mullis, WCAC director; Belinda Gulyas, principal; CCSS family of student Abraham Acosta-Contreras, pictured in front; Mary Beth Lampman, CCSS art teacher; and Carole Campbell, Abraham Costa’s nurse at CCSS.

ART LEAGUE CLASS

The Art League of Ocean City hosted a private art class for Stevenson United Methodist Church of Berlin at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street bayside. The group made pressed flower frames. The OC Arts Center is available to host private events and art classes by contacting Mary Anne Cooper at education@artleagueofoceancity.org.

GUEST SPEAKER

Dr. Clara Small, professor emerita of Salisbury University, talked to local members of the WAC 6888 with an overflow crowd at the Germantown School Community Heritage Center on Saturday, March 22.

ST. PAT’S PARTICIPATION

The Democratic Women’s Club (DWC) Worcester County participated in the

City St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15. The DWC offers opportunities to connect and

involved.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

annual Ocean

get

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC

Ocean City Elementary School celebrated World Down Syndrome Day on March 21. This day is observed annually around the nation to celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals with Down Syndrome.  OCES students, faculty and staff showed their support by reading special stories, dressing in blue and yellow and wearing silly socks. .

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

FIRST FRIDAY OPENING

The Art League of Ocean City held its First Friday art opening on March 7 at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street. First-place winner Mitzi Harp, second-place winner Stephen Sirota and third-place winner Kal Dupchen were recognized for their works in the group exhibit, “Calculated Creations,” artwork based on math and science. The winners are pictured with their works.

STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City held its first of three 2025 Pancake Breakfasts on Saturday March 8. The community turned out to have some good food and support the children of Worcester County. Besides the Kiwanis members, students from the Kiwanis sponsored Stephen Decatur High School Key Club and their Kiwanis advisor to the club, Jan Wolfing, volunteered to serve. Pictured are students, the serving line and the kitchen crew

ESSAY CONTEST SUCCESS

Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) 4th graders Emery Anthony and Grace Hornung for their outstanding achievements in this year’s Ladies Auxiliary American Legion Post #123 Americanism Essay Contest. Pictured, front from left, are WPS Head of School Dr. John McDonald, Ladies Auxiliary American Legion Post #123 Americanism Essay Contest 1st place winner Emery Anthony, 2nd place winner Grace Hornung, and Head of Lower School Dr. Sara Timmons. Back, from left, are fourth grade teacher Kim Jankowski and essay participants Hannah Giardina, Zia Salem and Carter Merryman.

Calendar

Fri., March 28

PETSMART ADOPTION EVENT

PetSmart, 11330 Samuel Bowen Blvd., Berlin, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Adoption event hosted by Town Cats of Ocean City. 410208-1538, admin@towncats.net

OC MAHJONG CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for a morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. All adults are welcome. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ARTSY HOMESCHOOLERS

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. Come every fourth Friday for an art project that includes everything from painting, writing, crafting and more. Best for ages 6-11 years, but all are welcome. 410632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

OYSTER FRITTER SANDWICHES

American Legion #123, 10111 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, 3 p.m. Cost is $10 for dine-in or carry-out.

FORMAL GOWN SALE!

The Crab Bag Shopping Center, 13005 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 4-7 p.m. Formal, bridal and cocktail dresses sold at 75%-80% off. All dresses must go. Proceeds supporting Athletic Center Building Fund.

FAMILY FUN NIGHT BINGO

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Win children’s prizes. Outside food and drinks are welcome. Cost is $5. 410-641-7052, www.oceanpines.org

KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO

Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410524-7994

Sat., March 29

AUCE BREAKFAST BUFFET

Whaleysville United Methodist, 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road, 7-10 a.m. Pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and beverages. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

PETSMART ADOPTION EVENT

PetSmart, 11330 Samuel Bowen Blvd., Berlin, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Adoption event hosted by Town Cats of Ocean City. 410208-1538, admin@towncats.net

FORMAL GOWN SALE!

The Crab Bag Shopping Center, 13005 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.

Formal, bridal and cocktail dresses sold at 75%-80% off. All dresses must go. Proceeds supporting Athletic Center Building Fund.

CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL MERMAID DAY

Museum of Ocean City, 217 S. Baltimore Ave., 10-11 a.m. Mermaid Tasha reading her book and a puppet show about the history and legends of mermaids. For kids 10 years and younger. Cost is $15 and includes a handcrafted mermaid tail blanket. ocmuseum.org, 410-289-4991

CRAFTS FOR A CAUSE

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Come make a variety of crafts to donate to local charities. All ages. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MY TECH CLINIC

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Apollo’s Dream Foundation will be on hand to help with any questions related to your devices and technology services. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m. to noon. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.

Sun., March 30

SERVICE AND POTLUCK

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3 Church St., Berlin. The church will be having one 9:30 a.m. service followed by a potluck. Come visit the historic church and spend some time during this season of lent with food and fellowship.

BERLIN FLEA MARKET

Sundays - Uptown Emporium Parking Lot, 13 S. Main St., Berlin, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendor opportunities available. Julie, 410-726-9012; Bill, 410-629-9656

SEWING FOR A CAUSE

Sundays - Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn how to sew while making a difference. 410-641-0234

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

Sundays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 10 a.m. www.jw.org

Mon., March 31

STORY TIME: RAINBOWS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worces-

terlibrary.org

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4 p.m. For those newly diagnosed, in treatment or in remission. Face challenges, celebrate victories and build strength from the group’s shared journeys. Friends and family welcome. 410-641-2626

TOWN CATS FUNDRAISER

Don’s Seafood & Chophouse, 11310 Manklin Creek Road, Ocean Pines, 5-8 p.m. A portion of sales will be donated to Town Cats of Ocean City. 410-208-1538, admin@towncats.net

T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 56:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157

FOOD CONNECTS US

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5:30 p.m. Learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. Learn how needs may change with age. Presented by Tidal Health. 410-632-3495

BRIDGE

Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-804-3971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-242-7062.

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

Mondays - Worcester County LibraryOcean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 7-8 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100

Tues., April 1

STORY TIME: SPRING

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and crafts. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Featuring seasonal themes designed to support early literacy skills with stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 0-5 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay

after to socialize with other families. For ages 0-2 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MASTER GARDENERS PLANT CLINIC

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Master Gardener Ginny Rosenkranz talks about all things plants. Bring questions and feel free to show your plants as well. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

COMIC BOOK CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Learn about comics and create your own. No experience required. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SAFE BOATING CLASS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 6-9 p.m. Classes are held three consecutive week nights, April 1 and 2. The third night will be used to take the test online at your residence. Cost is $20. Register: 410935-4807, cgauxoc@gmail.com.

BEACH HEROES-OC

Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410-289-4725

OC KNITTING CLUB

Tuesdays - Worcester County LibraryOcean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

Tuesdays - Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning more are welcome, 7-9:30 p.m. No partner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., April 2

COMPUTER AND INTERNET BASICS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St. Call to make an appointment for one-on-one assistance. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Online Zoom call held the first and second Wednesday of each month. For nonsurgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-641-9568

PUZZLE SWAP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-5 p.m. Bring gently used puzzles to swap for new-toyou puzzles. Don’t have a puzzle but still want one? That’s OK too. All puzzles must be in their original box. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 5-6 p.m. The group provides discussion and education on the topic of diabetes. Patti Yocubik, 410-208-9761, pyocubik@atlanticgeneral.org

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Last Wednesday

of the month meetings are offsite and information can be found on the website and Facebook. www.kiwanisofopoc.org.

Thurs., April 3

THE ADDAMS FAMILY: A MUSICAL COMEDY

Ocean City Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 7 p.m.

Based on the creepy, kooky characters by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams.

Tickets:

https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/7499947 5/the-addams-family-ocean-city-oc-performing-arts-center.

STORY TIME: AUTISM ACCEPTANCE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m.

Join in for a story about a zebra that is unique. Songs, dancing and crafts. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Join in for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHESS CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST

We have generations of experience and are well known for our exceptional dental care. We want to help you keep that bright and beautiful smile every season!

ATLANTIC

DENTAL COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY

a.m. Come to the library and bring your boards. All are welcome. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

LUNCHTIME LENTEN SERVICE AND SOUP LUNCH

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower St., Berlin. Worship begins at noon followed by a light lunch. Rev. Zachary Brown preaching on Giving. bethany21811@gmail.com, 410-641-2186

CPAP MASK FITTING

Atlantic General Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. Free mask fitting clinic for patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. Appointment required: Robin Rohlfing, 410-641-9726.

POCOMOKE BOOK CLUB: ‘THE LEISURE SEEKER’ BY MICHAEL ZADOORIAN

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 2 p.m. Join in for a lively discussion each month. Stop by the library to pick up a copy in advance. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MAGIC THE GATHERING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Experienced and novice players welcome. BYOC recommended. For ages 1218 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ONGOING EVENTS

LOUIS PARSONS III MEMORIAL PHOTO CONTEST OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS OC Life-Saving Station Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., April 1-Sept. 1. Entry fee is $5 per entry. Category winners will be announced on Nov. 1. https://www.gogophotocontest.com/ oceancitymuseumsociety, 410-289-4991, emma@ocmuseum.org

BOOKMARK DESIGN CONTEST

Held throughout all of Worcester County library braches, during April. Design a custom bookmark. Pick up an entry form and template at your local library branch. Submit your design by April 30 for a chance to be featured. Winners will be announced on May 12. For ages 6-18 years. 410-632-5622

Crossword answers from page 44

PREVENTIVE CARE • INVISALIGN

PERIODONTAL TREATMENT • FULL MOUTH RESTORATIONS • IMPLANT RESTORATIONS SMILE ENHANCEMENTS

EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR OUR CURRENT PATIENTS

50 OC Today-Dispatch MARCH

MECHANICAL

Person with mechanical ability to work at a WOC boat yard. Call 410-213-2296.

BOAT YARD

Person to paint boat bottoms at WOC boat yard. Call 410-213-2296.

SPEEDWORLD

Small Engine Mechanic. Year-round.

Wage starts at $15/hr & up based on experience. Benefits available. 443-754-1047

JOLLY ROGER

FT POOL MAINTENANCE

Inspecting & assessing condition of pool equipment, performing minor & major repairs, documenting all pool maintenance & repair activities for record keeping. Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects. Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors. CPO a plus/must be able to pass CPO test. Includes weekends and long hours. Wages start at $15/hr & up based on experience. Benefits available. 410-289-4902 Ask for Suzanne.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Administrative Assistant with excellent organizational, computer, people, creative skills, and the ability to learn a variety of systems.

Position is Monday thru Friday with some weekends. Good knowledge of current and world history, geography, and culture is important. This is a long-term position and can be challenging. Send resume to: classifieds@ oceancitytoday.net or ADMIN, 11934 Ocean Gateway, Ste. 6, Ocean City, MD 21842

HELP WANTED

Well established concrete company looking for YR FINISHERS & LABORERS. Experience preferred. Call 410-832-8251.

RENTALS

SUMMER SEASONAL

Modern Condo 1BR/1BA Bayside, off 123rd St. 2 queen beds, furnished, full kitchen, washer/dryer, POOL, parking. Next to bars & restaurants. Near Northside Park (70 acres). PROFESSIONALS ONLY, max. 3 renters. NO pets or smokers. $11K + sec. dep. & utilities. Email: jimreeves99md@gmail.com

WEEKLY RENTAL Seasonal Weekly Rental only, Single family home, Berlin. 4BR, 3BA. $725/night. Call 484-319-7188 for details.

Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

House To Share In Ocean Pines. Fully furnished, all utilities & WiFi included. No pets, no smoking. Large Room, $800; Regular Room, $700. 443-880-2486

ROOMMATES

HOUSESHARE IN BERLIN

Male preferred. $600 per month. Nonsmoker, no pets. 443-513-0190

SEASONAL ROOMMATE Male or Female. May 22nd-Sept. 21st. 2BR, 1.5BA. Full house privileges, W/D. 9th Street, Bayside, OC. $5,100 per person, all util’s incl. 410-294-1028

COMMERCIAL SERVICES MISC./OTHER

Commercial Space for Lease.

2-3 Units available, can be divided or joined. Approx. 800-1000 sq. ft. ea. Busy major road in Town of Berlin. Call 443-880-8885

2 Office/Retail Spaces

available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. and 1728 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200

Industrial Space Yard and Storage Shed. Approx. 10x25+/Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.

www.baysideoc.com www.octodaydispatch.com

MARYLAND

MISC. FOR SALE

Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 855-977-5719

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HDDVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-4076870

LARRY’S HANDYMAN SERVICE

No job too small. Entrance doors, interior doors, storm doors, shower doors, drywall repairs and paint, laminate floors, interior paint. Over 40 years of carpentry experience. Please call Larry, 410-251-9066

DONATIONS

DONATIONS

Do you have an old bicycle not being used? It could mean a world of difference to a hard-working international student. We are looking to get as many bikes as possible. Your donation will be taxdeductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065.

Shoulder to Shoulder, Through all the sorrows of life,

Just an Each or two? Lord, please, Your Blessing, Just an Each or two!

FOR SALE

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-993-0969 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

VEHICLES WANTED

DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/ RV - Lutheran Mission Society of MD Compassion Place ministries help local families with food, clothing, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA licensed #W1044. 410-228-8437 www.CompassionPlace.org

AD NETWORK

REAL ESTATE

We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-866-541-7929

SERVICES

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus.com/ MDDC #6258

Rosenberg & Associates, LLC

4340 East West Highway, Suite 600

Bethesda, MD 20814

(301) 907-8000

www.rosenberg-assoc.com

SUBSTITUTE

TRUSTEES’ SALE OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY

10833 SAINT MARTINS NECK ROAD

BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Stanley Johnson, Jr. dated October 29, 2004 and recorded in Liber 4301, folio 632 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on

APRIL 15, 2025 AT 3:55 PM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with the buildings and improvements thereon situated in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. Tax ID #05-006392.

The property, which is improved by a dwelling, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $20,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. Interest to be paid on the unpaid purchase money at the rate pursuant to the Deed of Trust Note from the date of sale to the date funds are received in the office of the Trustees. There will be no abatement of interest in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement or if settlement is delayed for any reason. The noteholder shall not be obligated to pay interest if it is the purchaser. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. There will be no reduction of interest due to overpayment of deposit. Adjustment of all real property taxes (excluding recapture of previously reduced or exempt taxes) and any other public charges or assessments, to the extent such amount survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer charges, and ground rent to be adjusted to date of sale and paid at execution of the deed, except where the secured party is the purchaser, and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. All due and/or unpaid private utility, water and sewer facilities charges, condo/HOA assessments and Columbia Assoc. assessments, to the extent such amount survive foreclosure sale, are payable by the purchaser without adjustment. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, recaptured taxes (including but not

limited to agricultural taxes), and settlement expenses shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Purchaser assumes the risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward. Additional terms to be announced at the time of sale. If the Trustees are unable to convey good and marketable title, the purchaser's sole remedy in law and equity shall be limited to a refund of the deposit without interest. If the purchaser fails to go to settlement, subject to order of the court, the entire deposit (including any amount received over the advertised deposit amount) shall be forfeited to the Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. In the event of a resale, the defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to receive the surplus, if any, even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulting purchaser and the defaulting purchaser shall be liable to the Trustees and secured party for reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred in connection with all litigation involving the Property or the proceeds of the resale. Defaulting purchaser waives personal service of any document filed in connection with such a motion on him/herself and/or any principal or corporate designee, and expressly agrees to accept service of any such document by regular mail directed to the address provided by said purchaser at the time of the foreclosure auction. Trustees' file number 22-000801-MD-F-1.

Diane S. Rosenberg, Mark D. Meyer, et al., Trustees

OCD-3/27/3t

RACHEL B. HARRIS ESQ. P.O. BOX 62

POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851-0062

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20558 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF SUZANNE J. STEVENSON

Notice is given that Teresa Searing, 8253 Sea Biscuit Rd., Snow Hill, MD 21863-4306, was on March 03, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Suzanne J. Stevenson who died on January 10, 2025, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 3rd day of September, 2025.

Any person having a claim

against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Teresa Searing

Personal Representative True Test Copy

Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: March 13, 2025

KHURRAM RIAZ

429 W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863 Plaintiff,

v.

OCD-3/13/3t

STEPHEN E SCHOOLFIELD

111 Oak Street Pocomoke, MD 21851 Defendant, And

L. DEAN GUY

1621 Colona Road Pocomoke City, MD 21851 Defendant And DEBORAH GUY 1621 Colona Road Pocomoke City, MD 21851 Defendant And

JEFFREY M. RUBEN TRUSTEE

500 Delaware A venue Wilmington, DE 19801 Defendant And

WORCESTER COUNTY

Attn: Phil Thompson I West Market Street, Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863, Defendant, and

ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN PROPERTY SITUATE IN WORCESTER CO, MD

DESCRIBED AS: 5848 Sq Ft Side 111 Oak St Pocomoke, Tax Account# 01-015974, Defendant.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No.: C-23-CV-25-000059

ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to

secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: Account No. 01-015974, Property description 5848 Sq Ft N Side 111 Oak St Pocomoke, Deed Reference: 2933/479, Assessed to Stephen E Schoolfield and Ruden Fletcher, and owned by Stephen E School field. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid. It is, thereupon this 5th of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, ORDERED that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 4th day of May, 2025, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Beau H. Oglesby Judge, Circuit Court for Worcester County True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-3/13/3t

ESP HOLDINGS CORPORATION

10809 Roland Parks Road Deal Island, MD 2 I 821 Plaintiff, v.

KAREN L TRUITT

3118 Normandy Woods Drive, Apt. H Ellicott City, MD 21043 Defendant, And WORCESTER COUNTY

Attn: Phil Thompson 1 West Market Street, Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863, Defendant, and ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN PROPERTY SITUATE IN WORCESTER CO, MD DESCRIBED AS: 2.125 ACS 210 Purnell & Belt STS, Snow Hill, Tax Account# 02-022710, Defendant. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No.: C-23-CV-25-000030

ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: Account No. 02-022710, Property description 2.125 Acs 210 Purnell &

Belt Streets, Snow Hill, MD 21863, Deed Reference: 4309/707, Assessed to Karen L. Truitt. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is, thereupon this 7th of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, ORDERED that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 6th of May, 2025 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley Judge, Circuit Court for Worcester County True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD

OCD-3/13/3t

VICTORIA L. O’NEILL ESQ. AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND P.A.

6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20564 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RITA J. VILLANI

AKA: RITA JOHNSON VILLANI

Notice is given that Mark Granger, 145 E. Carroll St., Ste. 201, Salisbury, MD 21801-5454; and Harold B. Gordy Jr., 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 200, Ocean City, MD 21842-6697, were on March 10, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rita J. Villani who died on February 04, 2025, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 10th day of September, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two

months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Mark Granger

Harold B. Gordy Jr. Personal Representatives

True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County

One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: March 13, 2025

OCD-3/13/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20547

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF WALTER E. POVLOSKI

AKA: WALTER EMIL POVLOSKI

Notice is given that Christopher Povloski, 48 Martinique Cir., Ocean Pines, MD 21811-1703, was on March 07, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Walter E. Povloski who died on January 22, 2025, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of September, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Christopher Povloski

Personal Representative True Test Copy

Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: March 13, 2025

OCD-3/13/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20563 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DAVID BRYAN CROUSE

Notice is given that Paul Crouse, 25193 Leland Ave., Harbeson, DE 19951-0309, was on March 07, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of David Bryan Crouse who died on February 26, 2025, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of September, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Paul Crouse

Personal Representative

True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: March 13, 2025

OCD-3/13/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MARK DOUGHTY AKA: MARK DERICK DOUGHTY Estate No. 20552 Notice is given that DAWN DOUGHTY whose address is 10960 SW 219TH ST., MIAMI, FL 33170-3058 was on MARCH 07, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARK DOUGHTY who died on JANUARY 20, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be ob-

tained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of SEPTEMBER, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/13/3t

COATES, COATES & COATES, P.A.

W. HANK FISHER, III, ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20566

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the District Court of Lincoln County, Kentucky appointed Deborah Ann Shoemaker, 2 Foxenfields Abbots Ripton Huntingdon Cambridgeshire, PE28 2PW as the Foreign Personal Representative of the Estate of Arvil Stinnett who died on December 29, 2024 domiciled in Kentucky, America.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is W. Hank Fisher III whose address is 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 300, Ocean City, MD 21842-6698.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County.

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other de-

livery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Deborah Ann Shoemaker Foreign Personal Representative

Terri Westcott Register of Wills

One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: March 20, 2025

OCD-3/20/3t

Tax Lien Hedge, LLC

C/O Eskin Law, LLC

1700 Reisterstown Road, Suite 212 Baltimore, MD 21208

Plaintiff

v.

Joseph R. Kane

P.O. Box 1329

Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 and State of Maryland

Office of the Attorney General

S/O Anthony G. Brown, Attorney General

200 Saint Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 and Worcester County Treasurer's Office

S/O Phillip G. Thompson, Collector 1 W. Market St. Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863 410-632-0686 and

All unknown owners of the property described Below; all heirs, devisees, personal representatives, and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in the property and premises situate in the Worcester County, known as 207 E. Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 2 I 863, and described as Legal Description 70' X 150' 207 E MARKET ST SNOW HILL Being known as District 02 Account Number 024438 on the Tax Roll of the Collector of Taxes.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-25-000070

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as 207 E. Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, in Worcester County, State of Maryland, sold by the Director of Treasury for Worcester County, State of Maryland to Tax Lien Hedge, LLC, the Plaintiff.

A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description 70' X 150' 207 E MARKET ST SNOW HILL, District 02 Account umber 024438 Known as 207 E. Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid. It is thereupon this 10th of March,

2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 10th day of May, 2025, and redeem the property and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property and vesting in the Plaintiff a title to said property in Fee Simple, free of all liens and encumbrances.

Beau H. Oglesby Judge

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-3/13/3t

Neil Eskin Eskin Law, LLC

Attorney for the Plaintiff

1700 Reisterstown Road, Ste. 212 Baltimore, MD 21208 (410) 343-9125

neil@eskin-law.com

AIS#: 1406170091

Tax Lien Hedge, LLC

C/O Eskin Law, LLC

1700 Reisterstown Road, Suite 212 Baltimore, MD 21208

Plaintiff v. Joseph R. Kane P.O. Box 1329

Rehoboth, DE 19971 and State of Maryland

Office of the Attorney General

S/O Anthony G. Brown, Attorney General 200 Saint Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 and Worcester County Treasurer's Office

S/O Phillip G. Thompson, Collector 1 W. Market St. Room 1105

Snow Hill, MD 21863 410-632-0686 and

All unknown owners of the property described Below; all heirs, devisees, personal representatives, and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in the property and premises situate in the Worcester County, known as 205 Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, and described as Legal Description 75' X 495' X 78' X 475' 205 E MARKET ST SNOW HILL Being known as District 02 Account Number 024470 on the Tax Roll of the Collector of Taxes.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-25-000071

ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as 205 Market

Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, in Worcester County, State of Maryland, sold by the Director of Treasury for Worcester County, State of Maryland to Tax Lien Hedge, LLC, the Plaintiff.

A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description 75' X 495' X 78' X 475' 205 E MARKET ST SNOW HILL, District 02 Account Number 024470 Known as 205 Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid.

It is thereupon this 12th of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 11th day of May, 2025, and redeem the property and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property and vesting in the Plaintiff a title to said property in Fee Simple, free of all liens and encumbrances.

Beau H. Oglesby Judge

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-3/20/3t

Neil Eskin

Eskin Law, LLC

Attorney for the Plaintiff

1700 Reisterstown Road, Ste. 212 Baltimore, MD 21208 (410) 343-9125

neil@eskin-law.com

AIS#: 1406170091

Tax Lien Hedge, LLC C/O Eskin Law, LLC

1700 Reisterstown Road, Suite 212 Baltimore, MD 21208 Plaintiff v.

Ernest T. Fischer 6698 Fowling Creek Drive Preston, MD 21655 and State of Maryland

Office of the Attorney General

S/O Anthony G. Brown, Attorney General

200 Saint Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 and Worcester County Treasurer's Office

S/O Phillip G. Thompson, Collector 1 W. Market St. Room I I 05 Snow Hill, MD 21863 410-632-0686 and

All unknown owners of the property described Below; all heirs, devisees, personal representatives, and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in the property and premises situate in the Worcester County, known as Torquay Road,

Ocean City, MD 21842, and described as Legal Description LOT 23 BLK 28 SEC CW TORQUAY RD PL CAPE ISLE OF WlGHT Being known as District IO Account Number 004942 on the Tax Roll of the Collector of Taxes.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-25-000067

ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as Torquay Road, Ocean City, MD 21842, in Worcester County, State of Maryland, sold by the Director of Treasury for Worcester County, State of Maryland to Tax Lien Hedge, LLC, the Plaintiff.

A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description LOT 23 BLK 28 SEC C W TORQUAY RD PL CAPE ISLE OF WIGHT, District 10 Account Number 004942 Known as Torquay Road, Ocean City, MD 21842.

The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid. It is thereupon this 12th of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 12th of May, 2025, and redeem the property and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property and vesting in the Plaintiff a title to said property in Fee Simple, free of all liens and encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley Judge

Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-3/20/3t

MELVIN J. CALDWELL JR., ESQ. CALDWELL & WHITEHEAD, P.A. 109 CAMDEN STREET, P.O. BOX 4520 SALISBURY, MD 21803-4520

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20570 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LAWRENCE J. WILCKENS AKA: LAWRENCE JOHN WILCKENS

Notice is given that Patricia Ortiz Cachay, 6 Bearberry Rd., Berlin, MD 21811-2049, was on March 13, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lawrence J. Wilckens who died on November 26, 2024, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or

by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 13th day of September, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Patricia Ortiz Cachay Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: March 20, 2025

OCD-3/20/3t

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING MAYOR & COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND

Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of the Code of the Town of Snow Hill Section 200-134 notice is hereby given that a PUBLIC HEARING is scheduled on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the meeting of the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill at Worcester County Government Center, Boardroom, Room 1102, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. The purpose of the hearing is to consider an ordinance to amend: THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE TOWN OF SNOW HILL TO FIX AN INCORRECT MAP BEING EXECUTED BY TOWN OFFICIALS IN 2021, AND THUS HAVING A CORRECT ZONING DISTRICT MAP EXECUTED BY TOWN OFFICIALS.

The public is cordially invited to attend and offer comments. For further information concerning this public hearing or for a copy of the or-

dinance please contact the Town Manager’s Office, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863, #410632-2080.

OCD-3/20/2t

Neil Eskin Eskin Law, LLC

Attorney for the Plaintiff 1700 Reisterstown Road, Ste. 212 Baltimore, MD 21208 (410) 343-9125

neil@eskin-law.com

AIS#: 1406170091

Tax Lien Hedge, LLC

C/O Eskin Law, LLC

1700 Reisterstown Road, Suite 212 Baltimore, MD 21208

Plaintiff v.

Jason Anthony Bowen 607 Ravenstone Lane Durham, NC 27703 and State of Maryland

Office of the Attorney General S/O Anthony G. Brown, Attorney General

200 Saint Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 and Worcester County Treasurer's Office

S/O Phillip G. Thompson, Collector l W. Market St. Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863 410-632-0686 and All unknown owners of the property described Below; all heirs, devisees, personal representatives, and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in the property and premises situate in the Worcester County, known as 210 Flower Street, Berlin, MD 21811, and described as Legal Description 60 3 X 92 E STDE FLOWER STREET BERLIN Being known as District 03 Account Number 034569 on the Tax Roll of the Collector of Taxes. Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-25-000065

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as 210 Flower Street, Berlin, MD 21811, in Worcester County, State or Maryland, sold by the Director or Treasury for Worcester County, State or Maryland to Tax Lien Hedge, LLC, the Plaintiff.

A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description 60 3 X 92 E SIDE FLOWER STREET BERLIN, District 03 Account umber 034569 Known as 210 Flower Street, Berlin, MD 21811.

The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid. It is thereupon this 12th of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for

Worcester County, Ordered, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 13th of May, 2025, and redeem the property and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property and vesting in the Plaintiff a title to said property in Fee Simple, free of all liens and encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley Judge True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-3/20/3t

Neil Eskin Eskin Law, LLC

Attorney for the Plaintiff 1700 Reisterstown Road, Ste. 212 Baltimore, MD 21208 (410) 343-9125

neil@eskin-law.com AIS#: 1406170091

Tax Lien Hedge, LLC C/O Eskin Law, LLC 1700 Reisterstown Road, Suite 212 Baltimore, MD 21208 Plaintiff v.

John Groton

705 Walnut Street Pocomoke, MD 2 I 851 and Ralph Groton 705 Walnut Street Pocomoke, MD 2 I 85 I and Robert Reed 705 Walnut Street Pocomoke, MD 2 I 851 and Mary Kay Reed 705 Walnut Street Pocomoke, MD 21851 and

State of Maryland

Office of the Attorney General

S/O Anthony G. Brown, Attorney General 200 Saint Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 and Worcester County Treasurer's Office

S/O Phillip G. Thompson, Collector 1 W. Market St. Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863 410-632-0686 and

All unknown owners of the property described Below; all heirs, devisees, personal representatives, and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in the property and premises situate in the Worcester County, known as 17 Somerset Avenue, Pocomoke, MD 21851, and described as Legal Description LOT 8 BLK B 17 SOMERSET AVE PL POCOMOKE HEIGHTS Being known as District 01 Account Number 025694 on the Tax Roll of the Collector of Taxes. Defendants

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-25-000069

ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as 17 Somerset Avenue, Pocomoke, MD 21851, in Worcester County, State of Maryland, sold by the Director of Treasury for Worcester County, State of Maryland to Tax Lien Hedge, LLC, the Plaintiff.

A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description LOT 8 BLK B 17 SOMERSET AVE PL POCOMOKE HEIGHTS, District 01 Account Number 025694 Known as 17 Somerset A venue, Pocomoke, MD 21851. The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid.

It is thereupon this 12th of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 13th day of May, 2025, and redeem the property and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property and vesting in the Plaintiff a title to said property in Fee Simple, free of all liens and encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley Judge Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-3/20/3t

ROBERT E RICHARDS ESQ RICHARDS & RICHARDS P. A. 11253 LOCKWOOD DR STE B SILVER SPRING, MD 20901-4566

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of DALE KUNZE Estate No. 20571 Notice is given that STEPHEN W KUNZE whose address is 6716 OREM DR LAUREL, MD 20707-3238 was on MARCH 14, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DALE KUNZE who died on FEBRUARY 16, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of SEPTEMBER, 2025

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with

the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/20/3t

GINA D. SHAFFER, ESQ. SHAFFER LAW OFFICE 11033 CATHELL RD. BERLIN, MD 21811-9328

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20501 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JACK EDWARD CALDWELL

Notice is given that Gregory F. Caldwell, 36098 Lumberyard Ln., Willards, MD 21874-1350, was on March 14, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jack Edward Caldwell who died on November 29, 2024, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of September, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Gregory F. Caldwell Personal Representative True Test Copy

Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street

Room 102 - Court House

Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: March 20, 2025

Neil Eskin

OCD-3/20/3t

Eskin Law, LLC

Attorney for the Plaintiff 1700 Reisterstown Road, Ste. 212 Baltimore, MD 21208 (410) 343-9125

neil@eskin-law.com

AIS#: 1406170091

Tax Lien Hedge, LLC

C/O Eskin Law, LLC

1700 Reisterstown Road, Suite 212 Baltimore, MD 21208

Plaintiff v. Lou Alice Lockhart

11275 Highway 98, West, #6-407 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 and

Ocean Pines Association, Inc.

S/O The Corporation Trust, Inc., R.A.

2405 York Road, #20 I Lutherville Timonium, MD 21093 and State of Maryland

Office of the Attorney General

S/O Anthony G. Brown, Attorney General 200 Saint Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 and Worcester County Treasurer's Office

S/O Phillip G. Thompson, Collector 1 W. Market St. Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863

410-632-0686 and All unknown owners of the property described Below; all heirs, devisees, personal representatives, and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in the property and premises situate in the Worcester County,known as 108 Nottingham Lane, Ocean Pines, MD 21811, and described as Legal Description LOT B-10-069 7672 SQ FT NOTTINGHAM LN PL OCEAN PINES SEC IO Being known as District 03 Account Number 099075 on the Tax Roll of the Collector of Taxes.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE N0.: C-23-CV-25-000072

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as 108 Nottingham Lane, Ocean Pines, MD 21811, in Worcester County, State of Maryland, sold by the Director of Treasury for Worcester County, State of Maryland to Tax Lien Hedge, LLC, the Plaintiff.

A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the

Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description LOT B-10-069 7672 SQ FT NOTTINGHAM LN PL

OCEAN PINES SEC I 0, District 03 Account Number 099075 Known as 108 Nottingham Lane, Ocean Pines, MD 21811.

The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid.

It is thereupon this 12th of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered. that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 13th day of May, 2025, and redeem the property and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property and vesting in the Plaintiff a title to said property in Fee Simple, free of all liens and encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley Judge

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-3/20/3t

EMILY LEE

6325 WOODSIDE CT., STE. 110 COLUMBIA, MD 21046-3226

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20526 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF HONG KI KIM

Notice is given that Jung Ja Kim, 5229 Pommeroy Dr., Fairfax, VA 22032-3921, was on March 14, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Hong Ki Kim who died on January 30, 2023, without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of September, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim

forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Jung Ja Kim

Personal Representative

True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: March 20, 2025

OCD-3/20/3t

_________________________________

Neil Eskin

Eskin Law, LLC

Attorney for the Plaintiff 1700 Reisterstown Road, Ste. 212 Baltimore, MD 21208 (410) 343-9125

neil@eskin-law.com

AIS#: 1406170091

Tax Lien Hedge, LLC

C/O Eskin Law, LLC

1700 Reisterstown Road, Suite 212 Baltimore, MD 21208

Plaintiff v.

Greenspring Home Builders, LLC

S/O Vincent L. Abell, R.A. 10308 Bristolwood Court Laurel, MD 20708 and State of Maryland

Office of the Attorney General S/O Anthony G. Brown, Attorney General 200 Saint Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 and Worcester County Treasurer's Office

S/O Phillip G. Thompson, Collector 1 W. Market St. Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863 410-632-0686 and *

All unknown owners of the property described Below; all heirs, devisees, personal representatives, and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in the property and premises situate in the Worcester County, known as 113 Eighth Street, Pocomoke, MD 21851, and described as Legal Description LOT 33 80' X 133' EIGHTH ST PL BERWYCK Being known as District 01 Account Number 032143 on the Tax Roll of the Collector of Taxes.

Defendants IN THE ClRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-25-000068

ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as 113 Eighth Street, Pocomoke, MD 21851, in Worcester County, State of Maryland, sold by the Director of Treasury for Worcester County, State of Maryland to Tax Lien Hedge, LLC,

A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows:

Legal Description LOT 33 80' X I 33' EIGHTH ST PL BERWYCK, District 01 Account umber 032143

Known as I 13 Eighth Street, Pocomoke, MD 2 1851.

The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid. It is thereupon this 12th of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 11th day of May, 2025, and redeem the property and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property and vesting in the Plaintiff a title to said property in Fee Simple, free of all lie Beau H. Oglesby Judge

True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD

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NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2 Administration, Article IV, Division 5 of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland hereinafter referred to as Code, same being the Board of Adjustments and Appeals Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearing will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

At 3:00 PM

BAAV 25-023 – A request has been submitted for a 1.0’ variance from the TOC Code Section 3871(a)(5) to reduce the required 3.0’ freeboard elevation in an AE-6 flood zone for a portion of the open deck attached to a new residential structure. Locally known as 307 S OCEAN DR parcel number 8020A1588B-in Montego Bay MHP.

Owner: Patricia Hall

Applicant: Mary LaRue c/o James E. Larue, Inc.

BAAV 25-024 – A request has been submitted for a variance of .85’ from the TOC Code Section 3871(a)(4) minimum free board height requirement of +3.0’ in the AE-5

flood zone. Existing first floor is currently 7.15’. Locally known as 106 5TH ST parcel number 4071.

APPLICANT/OWNER: Daniel Robinson

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of ELISABETH S. PRICHARD Estate No. 20512 Notice is given that WOODWARD CLARK PRICHARD whose address is 18 CAPE MAY PL., BERLIN, MD 21811-1310 was on MARCH 11, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ELISABETH S. PRICHARD who died on JANUARY 22, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 11th day of SEPTEMBER, 2025

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/20/3t

ARNOLD R. SILBIGER SILBIGER & SILBIGER ATTORNEYS AT LAW 5420 CARVILLE AVE. BALTIMORE, MD 21227-2705

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of EDGAR L. UDICH Estate No. 20569 Notice is given that JULIE A. PARKS whose address is 5608 OAKLAND RD., BALTIMORE, MD 21227-3918 was on MARCH 12, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of EDGAR L. UDICH who died on FEBRUARY 19, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or

by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12th day of SEPTEMBER, 2025

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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QUINN MCGINNES WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HWY

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of ROBERT R HEMP JR Estate No. 20567 Notice is given that KRISTEN SMALL whose address is 49 SPRING CREEK DR TOWNSEND, DE 19734-9048 was on MARCH 18, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of ROBERT R HEMP JR who died on FEBRUARY 05, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this

published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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Gina D. Shaffer Esq. 11033 Cathell Rd. Berlin, MD 21811

IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

IN THE ESTATE OF: BRIAN LYNN KERRIGAN ESTATE NO. 20565

NOTICE

OF JUDICIAL PROBATE

To all Persons Interested in the above estate:

You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by Jeanne Pelayo, 18 Robin Hood Trail, Berlin, MD 21811 for judicial probate for the appointment of a personal representative. A hearing will be held at One W. Market Street, Court Room 4, Court House, Snow Hill, MD 21863 on April 08, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. This hearing may be transferred or postponed to a subsequent time. Further information may be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills. Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Phone: (410) 632-1529 Newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Publication Date: March 20, 2025 OCD-3/20/2t

THOMAS K. COATES ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES, P.A.

6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20573 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RICHARD S. LUDLAM

Notice is given that Elizabeth B. Ludlam, 10206 Twilight Gun Ln., Berlin, MD 21811-2746, was on March 18, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Richard S. Ludlam who died on January 20, 2025, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection

to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 18th day of September, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Elizabeth B. Ludlam Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: March 27, 2025

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SMALL ESTATE NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of CHERYL KIM PARSONS AKA: CHERYL KIM MUELLER PARSONS Estate No. 20579 Notice is given that BRYNN N KRASNEY whose address is 1101 MARKSWORTH RD GWYNN OAK, MD 21207-3961 was on MARCH 20, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of CHERYL KIM PARSONS who died on FEBRUARY 05, 2025 without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Thirty days after the personal

representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

ONE W MARKET STREET

ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA

THURSDAY APRIL 10, 2025

Pursuant to the provisions of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held in-person before the Board of Zoning Appeals for Worcester County, in the Board Room (Room 1102) on the first floor of the Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland. Audio and video recording will take place during this public hearing.

The public is invited to view this meeting live online athttps://worcestercountymd.swagit.co m/live

6:30 p.m. Case No. 25-21, on the lands of Sean Alvarado, requesting two (2) after-the-fact variances to the side yard setback from 16.3 feet to 9.2 feet (to encroach 7.1 feet) for a kennel and from 16.3 feet to 9.0 feet (to encroach 7.3 feet) for a garage in the R-1 Rural Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(4), ZS 1-122(c)(1)A1, ZS 1205(b)(2) and ZS 1-305, located at 6626 Snow Hill Road, Tax Map 46, Parcel 60, Tax District 2, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:35 p.m. Case No. 25-20, on the lands of Maria Guintu, requesting an after-the-fact variance to the rear yard setback from 30 feet to 26.6 feet (to encroach 3.4 feet) for steps from an open deck in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1206(b)(2) and ZS 1-305, located at 35 Robin Hood Trail, Tax Map 21, Parcel 224, Section 10, Lot 1163, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:40 p.m. Case No. 25-23, on the lands of the Ocean Pines Association, Inc., requesting a special exception to allow two (2) electronic community signs on Manklin Creek Road, approximately 450 feet from MD 589 and on Cathell Road, approximately 650 feet from MD 589, in the C-2 General Commercial District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3) and ZS 1-324(c)(9), located on Tax Map 16, Parcel 112, Lot D4, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:45 p.m. Case No. 25-22, on the lands of Lawrence and Joan Buchanan, on the application of Hugh Cropper, IV, requesting a vari-

ance to the rear yard setback from 30 feet to 15.8 feet (to encroach 14.2 feet) and to the side yard setback from 6 feet to 4.9 feet (to encroach 1.1 feet) for a proposed two-story addition in the R-4 General Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-208(b)(2) and ZS 1-305, located at 12937 Swordfish Drive, Tax Map 27, Parcel 533, Block E, Lot 9, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:50 p.m. Case No. 25-24, on the lands of Snow Hill Property LLC, on the application of Kristina Watkowski and Hugh Cropper, IV, requesting a variance to the minimum lot width requirement from 200 feet to 150 feet (a reduction of 50 feet) for a proposed mosque in the C2 General Commercial District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-210(b)(8) and ZS 1305, located at 12004 Ocean Gateway, Tax Map 26, Parcel 130, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:55 p.m. Case No. 25-25, on the lands of Coastal Square LLC, on the application of Mark Cropper, requesting a variance to the front yard setback on Samuel Bowen Boulevard from 50 feet to 25 feet (to encroach 25 feet) for a proposed commercial building in a shopping center in the C-3 Highway Commercial District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1211(b)(2) and ZS 1-305, located at 11238 Ocean Gateway, Tax Map 26, Parcel 474, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

7:00 p.m. Case No. 25-19, on the lands of JSJ Partners LLC, on the application of Jonathan Anders, requesting a special exception for a private noncommercial building for the storage of personal property in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1116(c)(3), ZS 1-201(c)(34) and ZS 1-305, located between dualized US 113 and old Worcester Highway approximately 1,500 feet north of MD Route 90, Tax Map 15, Parcel 236, Lot 5, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

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TOWN OF BERLIN REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RFP # 2025-03

Lee Road Rehabilitation Paving

Due Date: Thursday, April 24th, 2025 Time: 10:00 am EST

The Town of Berlin is seeking Proposals for approximately 480 SY of mill and overlay along Lee Road. The existing road is a failed tar & chip road with stone bed. A small amount of spot repair, full-depth restoration is anticipated, as designated by the Town.

Qualified contractors are encouraged to visit the Town of Berlin web-

site at berlinmd.gov/government/requestfor-proposals/ or contact Director of Water Resources Jamey Latchum at 410-641-3845/ jlatchum@berlinmd. gov for the official RFP. EEO. OCD-3/27/1t

TOWN OF BERLIN REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RFP # 2025-04

Route 346 Test Well Water Capacity Management and Water Supply Improvement

Due Date: Thursday, April 24th, 2025

Time: 11:00 am EST

The Town of Berlin is seeking Proposals for the development of a test well, installation and removal of the necessary test pumps, performance of well tests, collection of water samples, water sample analyses, preparation of a technical data report to be provided to the Town and Engineer, the abandonment of the test well, and all permitting required to complete the work. The test well will be located at 10310 Old Ocean City Blvd, on the same site as the Town’s existing elevated storage tank. Qualified contractors are encouraged to visit the Town of Berlin website at berlinmd.gov/government/requestfor-proposals/ or contact Director of Water Resources Jamey Latchum at 410-641-3845/ jlatchum@berlinmd. gov for the official RFP. EEO. OCD-3/27/1t _________________________________

BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

ANDREW J. BRENNER, et al. 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 Substitute Trustees/ Plaintiffs vs.

WILLIAM E. SHOCKLEY (DECEASED)

MARY F. SHOCKLEY (DECEASED) 10116 McAllister Road Berlin, MD 21811

Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-24-000302

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 20th day of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 10116 McAllister Road, Berlin, MD 21811, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 21st day of April, 2025, provided

a copy of this NOTICE be inserted in some weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 14th day of April, 2025.

The report states the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $169,000.00.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk, Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD

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NOTICE

Town of Snow Hill announces upcoming deadlines for May 2025 Election

Snow Hill, Maryland – The Town of Snow Hill will hold its next general election, in-person, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the Train Station on 200 Belt Street. The polls will be open between 7:00am and 7:00pm. Up for election this year are the seats of the Western District Council and Central District Council.

Interested candidates will need to submit a request for an application to Kandice Ringenary, Town Hall’s Administrative Coordinator via email to adminco@snowhillmd.com. The deadline to submit the application to Town Hall is Monday, March 31st, 2025 at 4:30pm.

Citizens can register to vote by contacting Worcester County Board of Elections at 410-632-1320, emailing them at Worcester.elections@Maryland.gov, or by visiting them at 201 Belt Street, Suite C, Snow Hill Maryland, 21863. The deadline to register to vote is April 4, 2025 at 4:30pm.

Those who wish to vote by absentee ballot can call Town Hall or email Kandice Ringenary at adminco@snowhillmd.com to request an absentee ballot application. The deadline to submit a request for an absentee ballot application is Friday, April 25th, 2025 at 4:30pm. For more information contact Kandice Ringenary via email at adminco@snowhillmd.com or call at 410-632-2080. OCD-3/27/1t

REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP

3509 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20584 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JANICE LYNN SCHMITT

Notice is given that Jacqueline Grace, 4538 Perkins Ct., Belcamp, MD 21017-1425, was on March 21,

PUBLIC NOTICE

The motor vehicles described below have been abandoned. The owners and lien holders are hereby informed of their right to reclaim the vehicles upon payment of all charges and costs resulting from the towing, preservation, and storage of the vehicles.

The failure of the owners or lien holders to reclaim the vehicles within three weeks of notification shall be deemed a waiver by the owners or lien holders of all rights, title and interest and thereby consent to the sale of the vehicles at public auction or to have it otherwise disposed of in a manner provided by law.

These three weeks of notification begins on DATE: 03/28/2025

All

AUTH: Michael Colbert

I-Chief of Police

2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Janice Lynn Schmitt who died on February 17, 2025, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21st day of September, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Jacqueline Grace Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: March 27, 2025

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REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP 3509 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20585 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA G. BAKER

Notice is given that Chad E. Baker, 1105 Crowfoot Ln., Silver Spring, MD 20904-1322, was on March 21, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Patricia G. Baker who died on January 04, 2025, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21st day of September, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not pre-

sented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Chad E. Baker Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: March 27, 2025

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BID SOLICITATION

Ocean Pines Library - Parking Lot Paving

Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors to contract for paving of the Ocean Pines Library parking lot, located at 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin Md. 21811 in conformity with the requirements contained herein Bid Documents. Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third-party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.

A pre-bid conference will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 10:30am on site at the Ocean Pines Library, located at 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin Md. 21811. The last day to submit questions will be Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 12:00pm. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 2:30pm, and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

Envelopes shall be marked " Bid Solicitation – Ocean Pines LibraryParking Lot Paving”, in the lower left-hand corner.

Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for the award of solicitation.

Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer Worcester County, Maryland OCD-3/27/1t

BID SOLICITATION

Parking Lot Expansion- Snow Hill – Commission on Aging

Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors to contract for a parking lot expansion of the Snow Hill Commission on Aging parking lot, located at 4767 Snow Hill Road, Snow Hill, MD, 21863 in conformity with the requirements contained herein Bid Documents.

Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.

A pre-bid conference will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 1:30pm on site, at the Snow Hill Commission on Aging parking lot, located at 4767 Snow Hill Road, Snow Hill MD, 21863. The last day to submit questions will be Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 12:00pm. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 2:30pm, and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

Envelopes shall be marked " Bid Solicitation – Parking Lot Expansion- Snow Hill – Commission on Aging”, in the lower left-hand corner. Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of the solicitation.

Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer

Worcester County, Maryland

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MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL

NOTICE OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION ORDINANCE 2025-04

NOTICE is hereby given by the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill that Ordinance 2025-04 was introduced for first reading at a regular meeting on March 11, 2025. A fair summary of the ordinance is as follows: An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill (the "Town") to authorize, approve, and ratify the prior issuance and sale of the $302,442 general obligation bond issued by the Town, upon its full faith and credit, on October 20, 2015; And to authorize, approve, and ratify the loan agreement by and between the Town and the Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration, dated as of October 20, 2015. The second reading will take place on April 8, 2025 at the regular Town Hall meeting. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review at Town Hall, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

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REENA J. PATEL ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MOUNT HERMON RD., STE. B SALISBURY, MD 21804-5303

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20542 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ROBERT ELLSWORTH

JOHNSON

Notice is given that Sharon Atherton, 7 Misty Shore Dr., Berlin, MD 21811-2714, was on March 18, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert Ellsworth Johnson who died on January 13, 2025, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 18th day of September, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Sharon Atherton

Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

March 28, 2025

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JOHN F. ROBBERT ESQ. CHESAPEAKE LEGAL COUNSEL LLC 29 ATLANTIC AVE., STE. H OCEAN VIEW, DE 19970-9155

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20576

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RONALD W. MICHAUD

Notice is given that Heather Michaud, 13524 Nantucket Ct., Ocean City, MD 21842-6010, was on March 24, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Ronald W. Michaud who died on February 13, 2025, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or

any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Heather Michaud

Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott

One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: March 27, 2025

OCD-3/27/1t _________________________________

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2025-11

RE: Profane, Obscene, Sexually

Explicit and Vulgar Merchandise and Materials on Display throughout Town

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2025-11 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of March 17, 2025. Second reading is scheduled April 7, 2025. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the March 17, 2025, agenda packet. This ordinance adopts regulations for profane, obscene, sexually explicit and vulgar merchandise and materials forwardfacing businesses throughout the Town, including fronting on Atlantic Avenue (Boardwalk).

OCD-3/27/1t

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2025-12

RE: Bond Proceed Realignment

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2025-12 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of March 17, 2025. Second reading is scheduled April 7, 2025. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the March 17, 2025, agenda packet. This ordinance transfers bond proceeds from the Baltimore Avenue project to the Town’s annual street paving program.

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B. RANDALL COATES ESQ

COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of BRUCE WAYNE WARD SR Estate No. 20577 Notice is given that ANGELA L CASTILLO whose address is 7132 AYRES LN RD SNOW HILL, MD 21863-4116 was on MARCH 18, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BRUCE WAYNE WARD SR who died on FEBRUARY 19, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 18th day of SEPTEMBER, 2025

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/27/3t

MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MOUNT HERMON RD., STE. B SALISBURY, MD 21804-5303

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of NANCY ANNE ROCK Estate No. 20583 Notice is given that MARGARET ELLEN DOBUCKI whose address is 1919 NORMANDY DR., WOOSTER, OH 44691-1435 was on MARCH 21, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of NANCY ANNE ROCK who died on FEBRUARY 21, 2025 without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal represen-

tative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21st day of SEPTEMBER, 2025

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-3/27/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of ELAINE M. SOBOTA AKA: ELAINE MARIE SOBOTA Estate No. 20578 Notice is given that JAMES ALLEN SOBOTA whose address is 37096 LONGMOOR FARM LN., HILLSBORO, VA 20132-2864 was on MARCH 19, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ELAINE M. SOBOTA who died on MARCH 05, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 19th day of SEPTEMBER, 2025

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Reg-

ister of Wills. TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-3/27/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN EDWARD FLEMING JR Estate No. 20580 Notice is given that ROGER C. FLEMING whose address is 33010 NASSAU LOOP, LEWES, DE 19958-3729 was on MARCH 20, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN EDWARD FLEMING JR who died on DECEMBER 20, 2024 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 20th day of SEPTEMBER, 2025

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/27/3t

NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS DIVISION TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

PROPOSED EAGLES LANDING GOLF COURSE RESILIENCY PROJECT

The Town of Ocean City seeks approval for grading proposed improvements at the Eagles Landing Golf Course located at 12637 Eagles

Nest Road, Berlin, Md. 21811, a portion of which is situated with the Critical Area and will necessitate Critical Area Buffer impacts. Comments or inquiries may be directed to the Town of Ocean City’s Environmental Programs Division no later than April 8, 2025; Attn: Ms. Jenelle Gerthoffer, 410-289-8825 (office), 410-289-8703 (fax), jgerthoffer@oceancitymd.gov.

OCD-3/27/2t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF PORT WARDENS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 106 ”Waterways,” Article II – “Shoreline Development” of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Port Wardens Ordinance of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.

Thursday, April 10, 2025 2:00 PM

PW 25-027 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with associated pilings and one PWC lift with associated pilings maximum channelward distance 49’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 701 HARBOUR DR Parcel # 8020A1544B- in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Dominic DuBois

APPLICANT: McGinty Marine Construction

PW 25-028 A request has been submitted to install 40’ of replacement vinyl bulkheading not to exceed 18” channel ward; and to replace existing dock with a new 7’ x 40’ parallel dock and replace existing perpendicular pier with a new 5’ x 30’ pier; and to install one boatlift with associated pilings maximum channelward for all work 50’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 187 PINE TREE RD Parcel # 8020A1309B in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: Pine Tree Road, LLC, c/o Ken Meckley

APPLICANT: McGinty Marine Construction

PW 25-029 A request has been submitted to install one 4 piling boat lift on existing pilings, removing a 2’ section of pier to accommodate; maximum channelward extension 17’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 2205 PHILADELPHIA AVE UNIT 204D Parcel # 4236 -D204 - in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

OWNER: James Bilotta & Alexandra King

APPLICANT: Kayla Short

Named branch manager

Taylor Bank has announced the appointment of Valerie Kelm as branch manager of the West Ocean City Branch. Kelm will oversee daily branch operations, coach and develop her team, and build brand awareness through community engagement and networking. She will also work closely with relationship officers and commercial and digital banking partners to strengthen the bank’s presence in the market.

“We are excited to welcome Valerie Kelm to Taylor Bank as the new branch manager at our West Ocean City Branch,” said Heather Godwin, vice president, regional manager, and relationship officer at Taylor Bank.

“Valerie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in leadership and client relationship management. Her passion for efficiency and customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with our mission to put our customers first and continue to grow within the West Ocean City community. We are thrilled to have Valerie onboard and look forward to her success in leading our West Ocean City team and serving our friends and neighbors.”

Kelm earned a bachelor of arts in

business law and political science from the University of Baltimore. She brings 13 years of experience in banking and financial services, where she has successfully led retail teams.

Professional designation

Alexis R. Mumford of financial services firm Edward Jones in Berlin has received the Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP) designation.

The WMCP provides a goal-based planning framework to develop tax-sensitive investment strategies that meet a range of client needs, whether that is saving for college tuition, planning for retirement or passing on wealth to others.

Vice president appointed

Dr. Deirdra G. Johnson, associate vice president of student affairs at Salisbury University, was recently selected to fill the position of vice president for strategic initiatives and community engagement at Wor-Wic Community College.

Johnson has more than 25 years of experience in higher education, including 16 at Wor-Wic, where she began as director of retention and stu-

dent success, became senior director of student development, then dean of enrollment management and student services. She also worked at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Johnson received her bachelor’s degree in mass communications from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, her master’s degree in mass communications from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, La., and a doctorate from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

“I’m excited to welcome Dr. Johnson back to the dolphin family,” said Deborah Casey, Ph.D., president of Wor-Wic. “Her background and experience will be outstanding assets to Wor-Wic, our students and our community.”

Foundation officer

TidalHealth Foundation is excited to announce the hiring of Isabelle Thompson as the new development officer for Sussex County. In this role, Thompson will lead fundraising efforts for TidalHealth Nanticoke and work to engage donors and communities

Continued on Page 68

REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE

Valerie Kelm

Alexis Mumford

Dr. Johnson

Service Area

Current FeeProposed Fee% Change (quarterly)(quarterly)

AssateaguePoint-trailerparkwater&sewer$117.00$146.9625.61%

AssateaguePoint-domesticwater$29.50$83.50183.05%

AssateaguePoint-domesticsewer$179.00$250.5039.94%

Briddletown-domesticwater$73.00$83.0013.70%

Briddletown-commercialwaterTiered$60.00 n/a

Briddletown-irrigationfee$69.00$125.0081.16%

Briddletown-poolfee$32.00$60.0087.50%

EdgewaterAcres-domesticwaterbasefee$31.20$40.0028.21%

EdgewaterAcres-domesticwaterflatfee$121.00$202.0066.94%

EdgewaterAcres-domesticsewerflatfee$184.40$250.5035.85%

TheLandings-domesticwater&sewer$318.50$350.009.89%

LighthouseSound-domesticsewer$242.00$307.0026.86%

MysticHarbor-domesticwater&sewer$243.00$300.0023.46%

MysticHarbor-commercialwater&sewerTiered$300.00 n/a

MysticHarbor-sewerflatfee$213.00$293.0037.56%

Newark-domesticwater&sewer$240.00$310.0029.17%

Newark-domesticsewerflatfee$246.00$312.0026.83%

Newark-commercialwater&sewer$301.00$310.002.99%

OceanPines-domesticwater&sewer$207.00$244.0017.87%

OceanPines-sewerflatfee$186.75$251.0034.40%

OceanPines-accessibilityfee$0.00$207.00 n/a

RiddleFarm-domesticwater&sewer$288.00$320.0011.11%

RiddleFarm-commercialwater&sewerTiered$320.00 n/a

RiverRun-domesticwater$71.00$78.009.86%

WestOceanCity-sewerflatfee$0.00$167.50 n/a

WestOceanCity-accessibilityraterate$0.00$85.00 n/a

Source: Worcester County Government

to remedy shortfalls

Continued from Page 3

there wasn’t as much money in reserve accounts as they thought. Officials went on to analyze the history of the accounts and reserve transfers, which took a few months.

By September, the administration was ready to brief the County Commissioners about the commingling of reserves and the impact on service areas. That led the Commissioners in February to authorize a $9.2 million transfer out of the county’s general fund to cover the shortfalls through the fiscal year. Some of it was designated as a grant for the Riddle Farm system, but the majority was a loan to be repaid over a 10-year period starting next summer.

The Commissioners also decided to form a workgroup to brainstorm solutions, which included Commissioners Ted Elder (District 4, Western), Eric Fiori (District 3, Sinepuxent) and Jim Bunting (District 6, Bishopville).

“The fact is, money was taken from one profitable district out of the 11 and used to pay problems in other districts. That should not have happened,” Bunting said at the March 18 meeting. “When we go through the

Fees will jump in water and sewer proposal

budget procedures, we’ll hear from the public about all this, and then we’ll make decisions on what happens with these rates.”

That one profitable district is West Ocean City, which has low overhead and is has been running in the black for years, according to Young.

Fiori called the latest pricing proposal “a base point” to begin addressing years of issues with the county’s water and sewer systems.

“Trying to put out an explanation of how we got to his point would take literally the Encyclopedia Brittanica salesman at your door. It is so many different pieces that got us to this –way before this body was up here and got voted into these positions,” he said at the meeting. “These numbers that were put up, these are simply a solution to the enterprise funds to stop losing.”

When it comes to rate increases, the situation is complicated for county officials because the system is a hodgepodge – not all customers are getting the same services, and they all aren’t billed in the same way.

Some ratepayers are charged a quarterly base fee and a usage fee, while others in a different area see a flat fee for sewer services. Some get a mix of services, like having county sewer but well water, or county water with private sewer service. Even the billable limits of gallons per day varies between districts.

Not only that, but the number of customers in each area can vary. Ocean Pines’ district serves thousands of homes, while the Newark district, for example, has about 100 customers. Smaller service areas may see bigger bills because they don’t have enough of a population to spread the cost around, resulting in some residents paying far more for water and sewer service than their neighbors.

“Instead of raising those rates in the past gradually like they should have been, and running the EDUs for capital improvements, that’s what happened,” said Elder, the commissioners’ president, at the meeting. “That’s how it got caught up on us.

“We’re partially responsible because we didn’t dig down deep enough,” he added, “and I gotta admit that right here. I wish I had looked into it even deeper 10 years ago. But the train was already running down the tracks toward a dead end. By what we’re doing now, we’re trying to put it together in a way that puts less pain on everyone; everybody’s gonna have some.”

Looking ahead, one audacious solution to dealing with a patchwork of independent wastewater treatment plants would be to physically combine all 11 facilities into a centralized forced sewer main.

That way, if one plant should mal-

function, county public works employees could reroute wastewater flow to prevent a service interruption. However, this would be an extraordinarily expensive solution that would take years to complete, officials said.

“By consolidating the service areas, the county will be better able to take care of all the plants through increased efficiencies,” Moses stated.

“The current situation is not ideal, and we are trying to fix it.”

Also at the meeting, Commissioner Chip Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines) expressed his dissatisfaction that the pricing proposal meant his constituents would be forced to pay higher user rates, even though their wastewater fund wasn’t among those being mismanaged.

“This government did a lousy job

overseeing the financial operations of our service areas, and the people who are being held accountable are the rate payers, not the people who created this situation to begin with,” he said.

“This issue has so many different variables of, I guess, we’ll just call it gross negligence,” Bertino added. “I understand that certain service areas, if they were held to pay for deficits in their own areas, their rates would go up. Well, their rates would go up. I think it’s wrong that Ocean Pines is being asked to foot the bill for this because we have the most users – and, relatively speaking, operating more efficiently than some others.”

Bertino asked his fellow commissioners to approve sending a detailed notice to all ratepayers, outlining the per-household rate increase, percent-

age increases over the current year, and where the money would go, dollar for dollar.

When that motion failed in a 3-4 vote, Bertino then scolded his peers, saying, “we’re not asking for anything more than providing information to the ratepayers. This body has decided that – let’s just keep them in the dark.”

“I don’t think we’re trying to keep anybody in the dark here,” shot back Commissioner Joe Mitrecic (District 7, Ocean City). “We voted to have a public hearing. I don’t support spending money out of an already underwater enterprise fund to send out a letter.”

The board finally decided to post all the information Bertino requested on the county’s website in the immediate future.

across Sussex County.

Thompson will play an integral part in supporting several key healthcare initiatives, including patient assistance funding, the Allen Cancer Center, Women & Children’s services, cardiac care, emergency services, and the Brooke’s Toy Closet.

A native of eastern Sussex County and a graduate of Cape Henlopen High School, Thompson brings both local expertise and a wealth of experience to the Foundation. Previously, she served as a Business Analyst at the Children’s Beach House nonprofit, and she has spent five years in mission-driven roles with Philadelphia-based nonprofits. Her background provides a unique perspective on community engagement and fundraising efforts.

“We are thrilled to welcome Isabelle to the TidalHealth Foundation team,” said Jessica Hales, vice president, chief philanthropy officer and president, TidalHealth Foundation. “Her deep roots in Sussex County and her commitment to advancing healthcare access align perfectly with our mission. We look forward to the impact she will make in growing philanthropic support for TidalHealth

Coastal Hospice leader

The Coastal Hospice Board of Directors is pleased to announce Dan Ayres to serve as the next president and chief executive officer of Coastal Hospice, effective April 2025.

“Ayres is a respected hospice leader, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Coastal Hospice team,” said Coastal Hospice Board Chair Morgan Fisher. “His strategic vision, proven record of operational excellence, and sheer passion for this work make him the perfect fit to guide Coastal Hospice effectively.”

The Board also extends its deepest gratitude to Ann Lovely for her outstanding leadership and dedication as interim president and CEO during this critical period. Her contributions have been invaluable in ensuring the continued success of our mission to serve the thriving communities of the Lower Eastern Shore with compassion and excellence.

Ayres has held multiple leadership roles in prominent healthcare institutions, showcasing his expertise in hospital operations, and strategic

planning, including serving as CEO of Summersville Regional Medical Center in Summersville, West Virginia. He also led Tri-Town Regional Hospital and O’Connor Hospital simultaneously, both part of Bassett Medical Center, the largest healthcare provider in central New York State. Additionally, he served as chief operating officer at Copley Health Systems Inc. in Morrisville, Vermont.

With a deep background in healthcare facility management, he was vice president of Intellex Facilities Management, providing Joint Commission and facility support to rural hospitals nationwide.

He was also the first vice president of facilities and support services at The University of Vermont Medical Center—formerly Fletcher Allen Healthcare—where he successfully managed the merger of three institutions and campuses. Before that, he served as director of facilities at Fanny Allen Hospital in Colchester, Vermont, later becoming vice president of support and ancillary services. In this role, he acted as the primary liaison between the Catholicsponsored Fanny Allen Hospital and the Bishop of the Vermont Diocese.

In addition to his extensive healthcare leadership, Ayres has a distinguished military background, serving a total of 24 years in the U.S. Navy, including nine years of active duty on

surface ships. His service included the pre-commissioning of the USS Simpson and leadership as commanding officer of the Naval Reserve Center in Burlington, Vermont. He retired as a Commander in 2004 after five years on the staff of Commander Second Fleet.

Dan shares, “I’m thrilled to join the Coastal Hospice team. Part of my checkered past includes a degree in Journalism and working for two different daily newspapers, as well has a lot of hospital and healthcare network experience. I often refer to myself as a ‘recovering hospital CEO.’ My journey into hospice care is deeply personal, as I was profoundly impacted by the compassionate care my sister and brother-in-law received while on hospice services. Having lived in far northern Baltimore County, I have a deep appreciation for Maryland and am excited to serve this community.”

“As we celebrate 45 years of serving our Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties, we are excited to welcome Dan to our leadership team,” said Ann Lovely, interim president and CEO of Coastal Hospice.

“His experience and vision will be instrumental in advancing our mission of promoting dignity and quality of life for patients and families facing lifelimiting conditions.”

Tankless Water Heater, Windows, Slider & Entry Door, Dry Zone Encapsulation, Refrigerator, Dishwasher & Roof. Large Courtyard with Pond View. 8 x 10 Shed with Electric & Refrigerator/Freezer for your Beer & Bait! Call Tony Matrona 410-641-1671

Isabelle Thompson

Dan Ayres

Legislative initiatives make way to opposite chambers

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(March 28, 2025) Will security guards at cannabis dispensaries get to skip background checks? Will the state approve new conservation guidelines for endangered bats? Will the Orange Crush be named the official Maryland state cocktail?

We’ll find out soon enough. With just 10 days remaining in the 2025 Legislative Session, these and other legislative initiatives proposed by Lower Shore lawmakers Del. Wayne Hartman and Sen. Mary Beth Carozza survived a committee vote and have crossed over into the opposite chamber. The deadline for passing bills is midnight on April 7.

At the start of this year’s session, Carozza (R-38, Worcester) was the primary sponsor of 20 bills. So far, eight of them have made it out of the Senate and are now under consideration by the House of Delegates. They include the following:

Senate Bill 44: If a driver has been involved in an accident resulting in someone’s death, and if that driver is charged by police with reckless or negligent driving, then this bill says the driver must appear in court and can’t avoid a court appearance by prepayment of fines. The bill does provide narrow exceptions for waiving the mandate and pre-paying with a guilty plea, but only with good cause and if a judge allows for it. Also known as Sherry and Christian’s Law.

Senate Bill 101: Applying only to Wicomico County, this bill would create a new law that makes it illegal for anyone to stand in the road, on a median divider, or at an intersection to solicit money or donations of any kind from the occupant of a vehicle. Thirteen other Maryland counties already have similar laws on the books, according to a state legislative analysis.

Senate Bill 299: If someone who wants to work as a security guard at a cannabis dispensary or retailer, and they’ve already been authorized by the state to provide security guard services, this bill exempts applicants from having to re-do a criminal history records check from the Maryland Cannabis Administration.

Senate Bill 680: This bill alters several continuing education requirements for real estate brokers, associate real estate brokers, and real estate agents. Specifically, it would make changes to clock hour requirements, course topics, course instructor selection, and course application fees for continuing education – provision that have, Carozza said in a statement, “outlived their useful ness” and are causing confusion among licensees.

Senate Bill 946: This is primarily a bat conservation bill, one that offers some guidelines to industries that work with trees or fell timber so they don’t run afoul of established environmental protection measures for endangered bats. It would establish a permit process within the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for “incidental takings” – that is, causing harm to the animal or its habitat – of four species of bat, three of which are on the federal Endangered Species List.

Carozza is also sponsoring three other bills specific to Somerset County. Senate Bill 717 would increase salaries for Somerset’s sheriff, county commissioners, and county roads board members. Senate Bill 718 is a housekeeping bill to legalize municipal actions taken since the county last printed its codified laws in 2016. Senate Bill 719 authorizes county officials to impose an emergency services tax for property owners.

“There is still a lot of work to do for passage of these bills in the House before final passage and the governor’s signature,” Carozza said in a statement.

Paying off your mortgage ahead of schedule

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(March 28, 2025) Having a mortgage is a fact of life for most homeowners, with the final payment being too far in the future to even fathom—but there are ways to make that day come sooner.

Tip #1: Just pay more

Sounds like an easy concept—and it is. It doesn’t always have to be a lot either. For example, just paying an additional $50 per month on a $300,000, 30-year

mortgage payment means the loan would be paid off in 27 years and 11 months, 2 years and 1 month early, resulting in a savings of $29,211 in interest over the life of the loan. Just be sure your mortgage company is applying the extra payment towards principal.

Many websites offer this feature, probably your own mortgage company website has it, just look for an Amortization Schedule Calculator or Mortgage Payoff Calculator. Using this method of prepayment will require discipline, but most mortgage companies offer automatic drafts where you can designate a specific amount in addition to your reg-

ular payment to be applied towards principal. Do check to make sure your particular mortgage doesn’t have any pre-payment penalties.

Tip #2: Consider shorter term mortgages

Shortening your mortgage term from a 30-year to a 20- or 15-year mortgage is a great way to pay off your mortgage faster. By refinancing, you are committing yourself to the higher payment but usually benefitting from a lower interest rate. For many who currently have very low interest rates on a 30-year loan, refinancing is probably not a good option for you right now. But you can decide

how much more you can afford per month and calculate what effect this will have on your repayment term, and just pay more each month as detailed above.

Tip #3: Switch to bi-weekly payments

This is a great option when your pay schedule is also bi-weekly. By making this simple change in when you pay your mortgage, you end up making a 13th mortgage payment during each calendar year. This change alone can chop off almost 6 years from a 30-year mortgage.

Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record at Keller Williams Realty Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.

Deadline for passing state bills set for April 7

Continued from Page 69

Over in the Maryland House of Delegates, two bills sponsored by Del. Hartman are crossing over to the Senate: House Bill 163: Crafted in collaboration with Sen. Carozza on the Senate side, this local bill would allow out-of-state RV dealers to market their products at the Ocean City RV

show instead of being limited by statute to two RV shows in the Baltimore area.

House Bill 1001: Arguably one of the most talked-about pieces of legislation coming out of Annapolis this session, this bill would bestow the honor of official Maryland state cocktail on the Orange Crush – a

vodka drink made with freshsqueezed oranges, triple sec, and a splash of Sprite – first concocted 30 years ago by bartenders at Harborside Bar & Grill in West Ocean City. The bill reportedly has the backing of Gov. Wes Moore.

Notably, Hartman dropped one of his earlier bills, House Bill 1414. It

would have extended the deadline for large buildings to meet Building Energy Performance Standards by switching over from oil or gas to electric power. Instead, Hartman signed onto a similar measure, House Bill 292, as a co-sponsor. That bill did clear the House and is under consideration by the Senate.

App phase begins for next superintendent

cator, a consensus builder, and an experienced instructional and operational leader are necessary for applicants.

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(March 28, 2025) The Worcester County Board of Education has entered the application phase in its search for a new superintendent of schools. Officials hope to find a replacement in May.

Reviews of the submitted interest forms will begin on March 31, and interviews will occur in early April.

The board of education has contracted with the nonprofit education group, Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE), to oversee the search process.

According to the press release, the board and MABE created a job description that includes ideal qualities in a new superintendent.

Traits like being an ethical and decisive leader, an effective communi-

The school system’s website outlines additional criteria.

A Maryland Certification as superintendent is required, and a doctorate in education or a related field is preferred. Candidates should also exhibit knowledge of the Maryland education system, laws, funding, curriculum, and assessment with school and district-level experience. Furthermore, relocation to Worcester County is necessary if not already a community member.

The description lists a “competitive salary and benefits package with a minimum salary of $195,000” and adds that the offer amount will depend on the applicant’s qualifications and experience.

“Mr. Taylor is leaving the school system in the best possible condition – at the top in the state,” Board President Todd Ferrante said in the re-

lease. “Our stakeholders – our staff, parents, and community – want us to find someone who can keep our momentum and high levels of achievement moving forward. We want a school system leader who continues to put kids first.”

All applications are to be submitted to MABE. The school system’s release maintains that the Worcester County Board of Education is not accepting applications directly. Potential candidates can receive additional information about the role by contacting Edward Shirley, the lead consultant for the MABE superintendent search team, at eshirley@mabe.org or 410-841-5414.

Current Worcester County Public Schools Superintendent Lou Taylor announced his retirement at a board of education meeting on Jan. 21. His intention to step down follows a 41year-long career in education.

Taylor began as a physical education teacher at Berlin Middle School, now known as Berlin Intermediate

School, and later advanced to an assistant principal position. He moved to Stephen Decatur High School in 1991 as an assistant principal and then assumed the principal role.

Taylor led SDHS for 17 years.

During his tenure, the high school became the first Maryland Blue Ribbon School in Worcester County. Taylor also established the Worcester County Education Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing student achievement in WCPS.

Before his position as superintendent, Taylor served as chief operating officer.

He was named school system head in 2016. In 2021, Taylor signed a new four-year contract at an annual salary of $210,000.

The school system hopes to find a new leader to replace the outgoing educator sometime this spring.

“It is important to this board that the upcoming transition in leadership flows smoothly,” Ferrante said in the release.

New cannabis licensee wants to open in OC

Md. resident was awarded county’s third dispensary license in a 2024 lottery

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(March 28, 2025) Worcester County’s latest cannabis dispensary licensee wants to set up shop in Ocean City. Resort leaders, however, are pushing back, saying his request

doesn’t meet zoning requirements.

“As I’m finding out now, it’s a little hard to be in Ocean City, and I want my license here, so it’s very unfortunate,” said Shrief Shata, 29, of Columbia, Maryland.

The Maryland Cannabis Administration last year notified Shata that his company, Guru Ventures, was awarded a dispensary license via lottery to operate in Worcester County. It would be the county’s third dispen-

sary after Positive Energy and Hi Tide, both located in West Ocean City.

In an interview with OC TodayDispatch, Shata confirmed his interest in opening his dispensary at 2100 Philadelphia Avenue. It’s a 15,372 square foot building that’s currently home to a candy store, a smoke shop, and a deli. The building is owned by Mike Ramadan, a local businessman and real estate developer. They connected when Shata messaged Ra-

madan cold on LinkedIn to gauge his interest.

They’re already thinking of a name for the dispensary: Green Marlin.

Ramadan told OC Today-Dispatch he would be interested in renovating the building for Shata to open a dispensary and creating a landlord-tenant relationship. In this plan, the candy store and deli would remain on, and the smoke shop would relocate to make way for the dispensary.

Shata has been involved in the cannabis business for nearly a decade. He got into the industry because he wanted to help his grandmother cope with arthritis pain and dreamed of creating balm or tincture infused with cannabidiol, or CBD, to keep her off narcotics.

“She had her own garden. She taught me at a young age to grow. From there, I used that knowledge and some YouTube to start my own small grow,” he said.

He said that experience sparked his passion for the medicinal benefits of cannabis – and by 2017, the state had just approved medical cannabis. Shata next spent a year in a pilot program for hemp cultivation run by the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

After that, he launched his own commercial growing enterprise for CBD products. He even managed to connect with cultivation experts the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Eventually, Shata acquired a CBD company and ended up distributing product to retailers of medical cannabis products.

He never expected to win a license when he entered the dispensary lottery last year.

“It was live streamed through the MCA website,” he said. “I could not believe it. I just looked down and I was like, thank God, because I had no idea, from where I came from, that this would happen. My hands were literally shaking. It was a surreal moment.”

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The winner of the latest Worcester County cannabis dispensary license says he’s interested to set up shop at this 21st Street building in Ocean City.

BZA to consider ‘Green Marlin’

When recreational cannabis became legal in 2023, the town council then approved a lengthy ordinance governing dispensaries, one full of zoning setbacks that put restrictions on how far any dispensary could be located from churches, schools, and public parks.

Shata on March 10 asked city zoning officials whether the 21st Street building could be used for a cannabis dispensary. Three days later, the city said no.

In a March 13 letter to Guru Ventures, a copy of which Shata provided to OC Today-Dispatch, Ocean City’s Director of Planning and Community Development George Bendler said the proposed dispensary could not legally operate at the 21st Street location because it violates zoning restrictions.

Zoning was key to the city’s rebuttal, which said violations would include being both too close (100 feet) and inside of a parcel zoned for residential use, and for being too close (500 feet) to a public park – that “park” being the beach itself, the city says.

Ocean City uses a hierarchical zoning system known as pyramidal zoning. It means that, no matter the zoning designation, from mobile homes to shopping centers, building a residence is the most basic right of

a landholder and every commercial lot in Ocean City is still simultaneously zoned for housing.

That means, even though Ramadan’s building is zoned Local Commercial, or LC-1, it’s still technically zoned for a residential use, city officials said. And under the city’s cannabis laws, a dispensary isn’t allowed to operate in or near a residentially zoned area, even if it technically contains zero residences.

Shata on March 14 responded through his attorney, Justin Tepe, in a letter that disagreed with the city’s zoning interpretations. It also cited a newer law, one passed as cannabis became legal, that says municipalities can’t create zoning for retail cannabis dispensaries that’s more restrictive than retail alcohol retailers.

“Allowing a retail dealer to operating in LC-1, but not a licensed cannabis dispensary, is in direct conflict with the State statute which supersedes and prohibits the Town’s interpretations set forth in your letter,” Tepe writes. “I would like to accept your offer for the Town to identify other locations that would be permissible in the Town of Ocean City.”

Guru Ventures says they’ll next challenge the city’s conclusions before the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals.

Shata is scheduled to appear before that board on April 24.

Lower Shore Land Trust offers native plants online

Purchases will support conservation efforts and educational programs

(March 28, 2025) Spring is in the air, and with it comes an opportunity for local residents to enhance their landscapes while supporting wildlife and conservation efforts. The Lower Shore Land Trust has officially launched its 18th Annual Native Plant Sale, offering a diverse selection of native plants, trees, and shrubs for purchase online at www.LowerShoreLandTrust.org.

More than just a plant sale, this annual event is a crucial initiative for preserving biodiversity and protecting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, birds, and bats. Native plants provide essential food and shelter for wildlife, improve water quality by reducing runoff, and help mitigate climate change by supporting resilient ecosystems.

“This sale is an important part of our mission to restore and maintain

native habitats,” said Matt Heim, Executive Director of the Lower Shore Land Trust. “By planting native species, residents can create thriving environments that benefit not only their gardens but the entire local ecosystem.”

Plant orders are available for a limited time, and inventory moves quickly. Customers can pick up their purchases at the Lower Shore Land Trust office, located at 100 River Street in Snow Hill, on the following dates: Friday, May 2, from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, May 3, from 8: 30 a. m. to 12:30 p.m.

Each purchase directly supports the Land Trust’s conservation efforts, which include land preservation, habitat restoration, and community education programs. By choosing native plants, homeowners can contribute to a more sustainable and vibrant natural environment.

For more details, visit www.LowerShoreLandTrust.org or contact the Land Trust office at 443-234-5587 or info@lowershorelandtrust.org.

YouTube ‘auditor’ comes after Worcester Jail

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(March 28, 2025) The scene unfolds outside the tall chain-link fence surrounding the Worcester County Jail, where an unseen cameraman approaches Cpl. Caleb Foster, dressed in his brown correctional officer uniform.

“What are you doing here? You can’t be back in here,” Foster says, hands in his pockets, starting down the camera. “Want me to call the sheriff’s office and have you arrested? This is a secure facility.” The radio on his hip starts to pick up chatter.

“All due respect,” the cameraman replies, “if it’s so secure, I don’t know how I got here.”

The man recording the video is SeanPaul Reyes. Calling himself a “First Amendment auditor,” Reyes goes to public places staffed by law enforcement and pushes the boundaries of where and when he can film them.

Since 2021, Reyes has uploaded the sometimes-combative results to social media under the name “Long Island Audit.”

Reyes turned his camera lens to the Worcester County Jail the afternoon of March 16; it’s been viewed 291,000 times as of Thursday.

County authorities say they’re aware of the video and said correctional officers mostly did the right thing: they allowed

Reyes to film, they contacted their supervisors, and then left him alone when they learned his presence was permissible.

“We’re always looking for ways we can improve out interactions with the

public,” said county spokeswoman Kim Moses. “It did appear there was a misperception or a misunderstanding of the areas that are secure outside the jail. As soon as they were informed

those areas were not restricted, they recognized that and backed off.”

Reyes’ video in Snow Hill, posted March 18, begins at the jail entrance. He

See RECORDING Page 75

PHOTO COURTESY OF YOUTUBE

Correctional officers Caleb Foster (left) and Tyler Hunter (right) were filmed outside the Worcester County Jail in a video posted March 18 to the YouTube channel Long Island Auditor.

Wor-Wic students recognized for excellence

(March 28, 2025) A total of 576 Wor-Wic Community College students have been recognized for superior performance by being named to the dean’s list for the recently completed fall term. Area students who maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher while taking six or more credit hours during the fall term include:

Berlin: Brigitte Ardis, Aaron August, Ryan Barrett, Emily Bitner, Raelyn Bonebrake, Michaela Brown, Riley Calloway, Morelia Camacho-Arriola, Sydney Charlton, Brogan Clark, Paige Danner, Amani Dixon, Jada Donahue, Jillian Dysart, Christian Elliott, Richard England, George Eppard-Annis, Emily Ferguson, Cohen Fusco, Hayden Gable, Chloe Ginman, Mason Glover, Aydin Gordon, Melina Grant, Johanna Hallman, Peggy Hamilton, Chakirah Henry, Abigail Hernandez, Isabel Hernandez,

Assalh Hessain, Matthew Holland, Emily Hyatt, Sarah Hyatt, Victoria Iman, Sarah Johnston, Dylan Jung, Nicole Junkerman, Brandon Karvoski, Paul Knight, Jessica Lagas, Jessica Lee, Kyle Lokey, Erin Lyons, Amber Marshall, Colin Martin, Mackensie Martinez, Josselyne Maza-Chavez, Kayla McManus, Samantha McManus, Tiahna Morris, Josie Palmer, Landon Pryor, Katherine Reynolds, Katherine Rimel, Lauren Roe, Adriane Rush, Hunter Simon, Tai'Jah Smith, Adrianne Snyder, Alayna Spagnola, Jeff Spurrier, Chris Stevenson, Justin Stull, Taylor Takacs, Chloe Waggoner, Blake Wallace, Rheana White, Ashur Whitlow, Rowan Wilkins and Francis Wolfe Bishopville: Brooke Berquist, Kenneth Berry, Dennis Bontempo, Ryan Bontempo, Juliana Brown, Dalton Bunting, Holden Bunting, Andrea

Cohee, Kellen Conboy, Sarah Cooke, Jessica Cropper, Sara Cropper, Autumn Drew, Katie Erickson, Brennen McCabe, Maggie Pfaff, Chase Ponton, Kylie Record, Ryleigh Smith, Mary Soghomonian and Lilly Zalewski

Girdletree: Riley Richardson, Konnor Stever and Josh Turner

Newark: Mohammad Iqbal, Blaire Jackson, Rebecka Keller, Ellie Rankin, Maryann Rutzler and Laura Truitt

Ocean City: Jazmine Abu-Zaid, Amber Alexander, Alexander Bean, Madelyn Dill, Ksenia Drakos, Bo Gehrig, Jamie Gill, Dennis Graves, Seth Hetherington, Anna Hoffnagle, Jennifer Lilley, Evan Mathias, Tiffany McClain, Amella Mehan, Paul Mihalek III, Sean Peterson, Abbi Pytlewski, Abigail Stabinski, Alexandra Szabo, Melih Unal, Tina Walas, Alexander Ward, Rachel Weppner, Samantha

Whitehead and Delaney Williams

Pocomoke City: Brooke Benton, Kayla Boyles, Dustin Bratten, Cassidy Burke, Rylee Covington, Hailey Cowger, Daijah Dickerson, Edward Fulton IV, Tenai Henderson, Kyle Jackson, Susan James, Tony Martin Jr., Ella Mason, John Sigrist, Chad Stewart, Sherita Taylor and Kiera White

Showell: Allison Swift

Snow Hill: Alexis Bowe, Brad Boyer, Julia Cope, Kendyl Cylc, Grace Donaldson, Makayla Fetters, Liz Gell, Alexis Harper, Victoria Harper, Sam Hurney, Elizabeth Lonsdale, David Mason, Ryleigh Mauzy, Kernighan Mitchell, Natalie Sterling, Cash Von Marsh and Savvy Wertz

Stockton: Abigail Gaskill

Whaleyville: Gabe Failla and Carly McDonough

Recording OK in public places, county says

Continued from Page 74

tells viewers he’s here to “peacefully exercise our First Amendment right to film in public and publicly accessible areas,” and to promote government transparency and accountability. He pronounces Worcester as “war-chester.”

Making his way to the rear of the facility, near the fenced-in basketball courts and recreation area, Reyes remarks on the lack of “restricted area” signage.

That’s when Cpl. Foster spots him and flags him down from 100 yards away – giving Reyes the opportunity for a possible on-camera confrontation.

Another correctional officer approaches, Tyler Hunter. Now both officers are on camera.

Hunter asks if Reyes is recording on his phone. “Walking around the whole facility recording, it’s a little weird,” Hunter tells him, before going to find a supervisor.

Sgt. Jeffrey Douglas approaches. When Reyes – who never appears on camera himself in this video – says he’s just getting some footage of the basketball court, Douglas pushes back with a cool demeanor.

“Yeah, you can’t do that. That’s not legal, my man,” he says.

“That’s not legal? Really!” Reyes says with mock surprise.

Douglas tells him it’s private property and he needs permission to be here. His body language is that of a person who wants the conversation to end. Douglas makes it clear that Reyes has to go, but Reyes isn’t leaving.

Douglas walks away and is seen making a phone call. Then, he ends the call and waves to the camera, signaling the interaction is over. “You have a good day, my man,” Douglas says.

“Looks like somebody got educated on the phone,” Reyes says. “To have the mentality that this is private property,

you can’t record, just so many falsities that – I don’t know. They have no concept of what’s public and not private. Again, there aren’t any restricted area signs. If there were, I wouldn’t have crossed them. It’s really that simple.”

Reyes closes with an assertion that the jail’s “rude” correctional officers “failed here today” by not identifying themselves and not de-escalating.

“We’re not anti-law enforcement,” he declares. “We are anti-tyrant.”

Reyes’ doesn’t just host a YouTube channel, where he has more than 1,300 videos posted and 890,000 subscribers.

He even sells his own merchandise, like mugs and hats emblazoned with “We The People” and “Resist Tyranny.” He’s also crowd-funded more than $52,000 in donations to “support the fight against tyranny and corruption.”

That money, according to Reyes, goes toward travel and legal expenses – which he’s apparently needed.

Published reports show he’s run afoul of police on several occasions and has a history of being arrested and sued for his actions.

Reyes did not respond to multiple requests for comment for this report.

Moses said Worcester County last held employee training on understanding First Amendment rights in 2023, where employees were instructed that so-called “auditors” don’t need their consent to film in public places.

She added that the interaction presented an opportunity to provide refresher training for existing jail staff, to train up new hires, or to re-evaluate areas outside the county jail where new signs should be posted.

“It can certainly be uncomfortable when someone puts a video in their face, but they do have a right to record. Let people film in peace as

long as they are peaceful. When you’re in a public place, there is really no expectation of privacy,” she said. County Administrator Weston Young acknowledged that videos like these can be quite popular, especially when cops lose their cool and make the encounter go viral.

“I’m open to it. We want to be transparent. But post 9/11, when people are filming infrastructure, you never know.

“Are you legitimately a First Amendment auditor or an evildoer?” Young said. “I personally would take up other hobbies.”

Opinions

A drinking town?

Well,

yes and no

If perception is reality, as the political saying goes, then Ocean City is one beer-drinking, wine-gulping, whiskey-swilling town. Except that it isn’t. In fact, it could be argued that the 21842 zip code area of Ocean City and West Ocean City is the dryest in the county on a per capita basis.

The availability of beer, wine and distilled spirits here is not disputed. According to the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners, which governs liquor licenses in the county, the 21842 zip code area has 233 license holders.

That’s 25.43 licenses per square mile. Not all of these are sit-down watering holes, of course. Some are stores and markets that stock beer and wine only, and some are liquor stores. Others are restaurants with service bars only or where food is the main attraction and alcohol is simply available.

The liquor board’s data shows that 56 of these establishments serve just beer and wine, and one sticks to beer exclusively. The other 176 are licensed to sell beer, wine and liquor.

If this sounds like an over-saturation of liquor licenses in the 21842 neighborhood and that Ocean City is what it’s made out to be in terms of alcohol consumption, it isn’t.

Various sources put the area’s population in the summer at no less than 300,000 people, and because summer is the only time all this area’s license holders are open, the ratio of licenses to population is one license for every 1,288 people.

By contrast, Pocomoke City, at the other end of the county, has a population of 4,401 and 14 licensed establishments of one kind or the other. That comes out to one license for 314 people or four times the availability per capita as Ocean City.

As for Berlin/Ocean Pines, 57 license holders operate in a zip code with a population of 17,374, which comes in a little lower per capita than Pocomoke.

So, while Ocean City may have a reputation of being a wet town, it is the dryest town in Worcester County in terms of availability on a per capita basis. And you can tell people that the next time you come down on vacation.

Hard work, bad luck

Now that we’re making changes to government, I think it’s time to ask the census bureau to find out how many Hardworking Americans there really are.

NEWS

EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN

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OC Today-Dispatch is published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 410-723-6397 All content copyright 2025

By Stewart Dobson

I ask because you never hear about the other Americans in our 163.5 million-person labor force. It’s always the Hardworking Americans.

It strikes me that some of us aren’t being treated fairly, because every time a politician talks about this or that program or situation, he, she or they always include a line about how it effects Hardworking Americans.

• “Social Security must be saved because that money belongs to Hardworking Americans.”

• “Egg prices must stop eating into the paychecks of Hardworking Americans.”

• “We need to take a closer look at (insert one or more: drug prices, gas prices, immigration, clean air, dirty air, energy production, manufacturing, concert tickets, foreign ownership of Budweiser) because Hardworking Americans deserve a break!”

Not once have I ever heard a politician say anything about other American workers who might not be all that Hardworking.

Consider and revise any of the lines from above: “Social Security must be saved because that money belongs to Somewhat Working Americans.”

Or “Egg prices must stop eating into the paychecks of Just Putting In Their Time Americans.”

We all know these people exist, because we work with them — like old Ned over in the corner whose only contribution to the working atmosphere is that he stopped bringing egg salad to work for lunch.

And how about the 9-to-5’ers? They do their share, but they’re packed and ready to go at 4:45 so they can say, if something needs attention at the last-minute, “I was just packing up to leave.” The truth is, these people are more like 9:304:30’ers.

On the other hand, maybe all this hard work isn’t what it’s cracked up to be, since whenever something difficult, awkward or bad happens, it always happens to them.

“The storm-of-the-century virtually leveled this community of Hardworking Americans, so the government needs to respond immediately.”

Now about that, either there are entire communities of nothing but Hardworking Americans, or the storm-of-the-century skipped over the homes of Moderately Working Americans, Office Drone Americans, Routinely-Coming-inLate-for-Work Americans, and — I hate to say it — Crayon-Eating Incompetent Working Americans.

Now that I think about it, it does seem to me that Hardworking Americans actually are getting dumped on, because everyone else is doing just fine. If they weren’t, they might merit a mention every now and then.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the legislation introduced by the (other) Party will make life more difficult for Mediocre Working Americans and Crayon-Eating Incompetents ... and I want you to know that I identify with you. I really do.”

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

Was justice served in the Gavin Knupp case? If you have any sort of connection to Knupp or his family, the obvious answer is no. A suspended sentence of 18 months for motorist Tyler Mailloux is light compared to the recommended three-plus years from the state and 10-year maximum the charge carries. For those without emotional ties and able to view the case through an objective lens, the answer remains no but with a bit more understanding about the complexities associated with trying the fatal hit-and-run case.

Since the sentencing, Knupp family members have taken to social media to express their opinions about the judge and the judicial system and airing some new accusations that had only privately been expressed. Gavin’s sister, Summer, who was with him the night of his death, shared her feelings on Facebook about the case as well as actions by the defendant after the event. Her post was understandably raw, saying, “We all felt as if we were treated like the villains. We weren’t allowed to read our impact statements towards Tyler and instead had to read them towards the judge, but his family was allowed to read theirs to us, looking us in the eye. Half of our statements were even crossed out, while Tyler’s mom was allowed to look my mom in the eye and say, ‘Mother to mother…’ Nothing about yesterday was fair, nor was it what I expected. ...”

Next up will be a civil suit filed by the Knupp family, presumably against the driver and his family. The civil litigation might be successful as the burden is not as heavy as in criminal matters, but the payout terms could still disappoint. This has been an impossible case from the start, but the hope is healing will continue for the victim’s family over time.

Budget season is here. Earlier this month, the County Commissioners asked staff to prepare revenue projections for varying reductions in the property tax rate. It’s no secret the county stands to have a financial windfall in the next budget. Currently, after reviewing all department spending requests, there is a $2.26 million gap between revenues and expenditures, despite the current rate (.845 per $100 of assessed valuation) bringing in $18 million in new property tax for the county due to booming property assessments.

County departments are seeking a 10% increase in spending from last year, resulting in the budget currently being unbalanced despite the huge increase in property tax. Options presented last week include a one-cent reduction, which would cut property tax revenue by $2.4 million; a 2cent decrease, $4.8 million; a 3-cent drop, $7.3 million; a 4-cent decrease, $9.7 million; and a 5-cent dip, $12.2 million. The projection also included an estimated impact for a median property value of $388,000. The proposed reduction would save primary property owners $38.80 with a onecent tax rate decrease; $77.60 for two cents; $116 for three cents; $155 for four cents; and $194 for five cents.

Notable also is the county appears to be mulling a reduction in the income tax rate, from 2.25% to 2%. This will have an impact on income tax collected and passed through to municipalities. This could be significant for municipal budgets if the county opts to go this route. At the current rate, the county stands to collect $53 million, but the option to decrease it would reduce the collection by $5.8 million. The towns’ share of income tax will drop $408,567, from $3.67 million to $3.26 million.

All of this will get hammered out in future budget work sessions, and it will be interesting to see which direction the commissioners go. The hope here is if the property tax rate is decreased a penny or two it’s not done at the expense of the school system. A big unknown throughout the budget process could be the county impact from state budget decisions still being made.

***

It was only a matter of time before someone wanted to put a cannabis dispensary in Ocean City. A 29-year-old Columbian man won the county’s third dispensary license in a state lottery last year and has his sights set on 21st Street in Ocean City just north of the old Phillips Crab House.

Once the state in 2023 passed the Cannabis Reform Act, essentially legalizing recreational sales, Ocean City established a moratorium on businesses that grow, process or sell marijuana. The moratorium was lifted last year essentially in exchange for zoning restrictions that made cannabis dispensaries impossible in Ocean City, including not being 100 feet within residential uses and 500 feet from a public park (which by definition the city says is the beach).

The city’s Board of Zoning Appeals will soon hear a challenge to these restrictions. The idea is the city’s rule cannot trump a state law that says zoning for retail cannabis dispensaries cannot be more restrictive than retail alcohol stores.

Film

Festival participants, supporters recognized Editor,

On behalf of the Art League of Ocean City, thank you to everyone who supported and made the 9th Annual Ocean City Film Festival a huge success, including our generous sponsors, attendees, filmmakers, committee, volunteers, moderators, and staff.

A special shoutout to our headliners, John Chester and Erica Messer, who brought their film, “The Biggest Little Farm,” to the Performing Arts Center. And to our title sponsors — the Town of Ocean City and the Maryland Film Office — who helped make the festival happen.

The Film Festival was truly a county-wide happening and a real boost to the shoulder season. A big thank you to all of the venues that screened the films and made this year’s festival a success: Flagship Cinemas, Gold Coast Theaters, Cambria Hotel, Dough Roller, and Ashore Resort. Also to the local businesses who supported us with popular parties and receptions: Holiday Inn 17th St., The Stoke, Papi’s Taco’s, Happy Jack’s Pancake House, Alley Oops Midtown, and Seacrets Morley Hall. And to Unscene Productions for host-

ing the industry-only event.

Thank you to the diverse group of filmmakers from around the world, many who attended, who allowed us to share more than 100 compelling films to 1,400 festival passholders. The festival showcased industry professionals as well as university students, young filmmakers, and local talent and gave them opportunities to network with others who share their passion.

Thank you to the Film Festival’s additional supporting sponsors: Atlantic Planning & Development; Bank of Ocean City; Harrison Group; John Sisson; Blue Fish; i.g. Burton; Worcester Co. Arts Council; Shore United Bank; Preston Automotive Group; Fritschle Barker; Ocean City HMRA; Maryland’s Coast; and Seacrets.

We appreciate the support of our media partners: OC Today-Dispatch, Ocean 98.1, OceanCity.com, and Draper Media/Coast TV. And our inkind sponsors: Bethany Resort Furnishings, Burley Oak, Coins Pub, Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, and Good Clean Fun Life Productions.

Finally, to our audiences who laughed, shed a tear, asked insightful questions, and enthusiastically applauded, we appreciate you choosing

to spend your time with us.

We invite you to join us for the bimonthly film nights at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th St. where you can experience independent film screenings year-round. Look for the 10th Annual Ocean City Film Festival March 5-8, 2026.

Rina Thaler, Art League of Ocean City Executive Director B.L. Strang-Moya, Ocean City Film Festival Creative Director

Republicans attempting to control spending

Editor,

I was surprised to see Democrat talking points concerning Medicaid in a letter in the OC Today Dispatch (Joan Roache 03/07/25). The accusation that Republicans are doing away with Medicaid in order to give tax breaks to Elon Musk and other billionaires is an outright fabrication. Why do people want to use ghoulish hysteria to terrify others? The demagoguery is in full swing against Republican efforts to control federal spending on Medicaid and stabilize the nation’s debt (rapidly approaching $37,000,000,000,000.00).

In a floor speech on February 20, 2025, Senator Rand Paul laid out some facts that really should terrify every American:

Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare and Food Stamps absorb every tax dollar that comes into the Federal government. Everything else - Defense, Transportation, Education, Foreign Affairs, Internal Revenue and all the others, is paid for through borrowed funds - hence the annual increase of $2,000,000,000,000 - every yearto the national debt. This is absolutely unsustainable.

Medicaid was created in 1965 to provide a safety net for those in medical need, and no one is proposing gutting it. A decade ago Congress expanded Medicaid to cover healthy adults, whether they were willing to work or not. Now Republicans are calling for a “work requirement” for healthy adults who don’t have to care for a child or elderly dependent. The work requirement is 80 hours a month or attending school or a train-

ing program or a drug recovery program.

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates the “work” requirement would save $140,000,000,000.00 over the next decade (money that would not land on the shoulders of our great grandchildren and their great grandchildren). A proposal to allow the states to check eligibility more than twice a year could save an additional $100,000,000,000.00.

I hope and pray that the hysterical demagoguery of the Democrats does not prevent the Republicans from enacting desperately needed modifications to Medicaid. What should really terrify everyone is the national debt, the way it weakens our nation, and the prospect of leaving that burden on our aforementioned great grandchildren and their great grandchildren.

Carol Frazier Ocean Pines

County must follow own code with decisions

Editor,

(The following is a copy of a letter sent to the Worcester County Commissioners and requested for publication.)

Thank you for your efforts on the behalf of Worcester County residents. I am proud to be a long term, voting, tax paying resident whose address for the past 33 years has been 855 Ocean Parkway in the Ocean Pines subdivision. I have raised my family and conducted a relatively successful business here.

Last Wednesday I had the opportunity to watch your Commissioner meeting. I was astonished to hear about the irregular $9.2 million loan advanced to some of the 11 separate sanitation districts initially without proper authorization. Apparently this was to help stabilize losses generated by a few of these districts. If I was hearing correctly, there are some commissioners who believe this loan should be paid back equally by all 11 districts no matter how much they were responsible for the deficit. The notable exception is the Riddle Farm sanitation district. The Riddle Farm

sanitary district may very well be the worst offender and yet $2.7 million of the $9.2 million has been gifted to the Riddle Farm sanitation district as a grant that does not need to be repaid to the county tax payers. Why? Commissioners, with all due respect, my understanding is current county law separates each sanitary district which is held accountable and stands on their own. Ocean Pines sanitary district did not contribute one cent to the $9.2 million deficit and shouldn’t be expected to help pay off debts generated by other sanitary districts.

Martin D. Clarke Ocean Pines

Property rights threatened in short-term rental ban

Editor,

I need to address Mr. Dare's comments in the March13 OC Today-Dispatch regarding the people petitioning to stop the STR Ban. As one of the Realtor " faces" of this movement, I take exception to being labeled a greedy Realtor "Interested in a fiscal impact to themselves, they're not looking out for the residents of Ocean City. They are looking out for themselves." I have been a full-time year-round resident of Ocean City MD since 1969. My family has owned property in Ocean City since 1964. My husband our daughter and I along with my sister and other family members live in Little Salisbury. None of us rent our properties but we don’t want our property rights taken away. I have lived Little Salis-

bury almost exclusively since 1976. I have a history and vested interest in my community.

The Realtors and other interested citizens involved in fighting the STR ban are spending countless hours working to defend everyone's Property Rights. We need more support from the Realtors. This is your fight, please join the cause. This ban is government overreach, a taking of our Constitutional rights,and we believe it needs to be stopped. As Realtors, we sold our clients a bundle of rights when they purchased. The government is trying to take some of those rights away. We have a duty to our clients to protect these rights. Please help us defend property rights.

The city's own data on crime and noise doesn't support this drastic action. The city council and mayor state the ordinance will only affect 3 % of the rentals (it is closer to 5%) however it will have ai negative impact on property owners in approximately 25% of the town’s area. The city has not presented any studies on the impact of enacting this ordinance. This ordinance will affect you whether you realize it or not. It will reduce our rental tax receipts. It will impact the businesses that serve these affected communities. It will change who is coming to town for generations. It will have a negative impact on property values and the pool of buyers should you wish to sell. It will eliminate your ability to rent your home should your circumstances change. Retirees do you know about The Augusta Rule, a provision within IRS Section 280A(g), allows

homeowners to rent out their property for up to 14 days per year without having to report the rental income on their federal tax return. (Talk to your accountant) Our property taxes, insurance and electric bills keep skyrocketing and the ability to rent your home for 2 weeks may enable you to stay in your home. Your heirs may be forced to sell the family beach home when you die because they won't have the ability to rent short term to cover any of the expenses. And if they take our rights without cause,they can take yours too.

Most vacationers that rent homes and mobiles won't just rent a hotel or condo instead. They will go to areas where they can rent a home, Fenwick, Bethany, Rehoboth, the Outer Banks to name a few. Where these guests go their family traditions go and when they decide to buy a place to retire it won't be Ocean City MD. This Ordinance will affect who is coming to Ocean City MD for generations. Many of the residents of Ocean City started out as short-term renters. They liked the town and visited again and again which led them to buy a property here. They rented it to help defray the high cost of owning a home here and now they live here full time. We added at least 3 families to our neighborhood in the last year this way. Short term rentals in R1 MH have a proven track record of leading to full time residents.

The many people I have met that rent their homes in R1 & MH are families. It is a 2nd home, and they rent to help defray the high cost of taxes, insurance, mortgage, upkeep. There are also many property owners that live here full time and own shortterm rentals in these areas. These are not nameless, faceless corporations with no tie to the community. Please see our website https://ocmdpropertyrights.org/ for some of their stories. These are people just like you trying to live the American Dream. The town officials have turned that dream into a nightmare. These property owners may be forced to sell their beloved beach home and at a lower price as a result of these restrictions. Banning short term rentals in R1 & MH does not guarantee you a good neighbor and is not going to grow our year-round population. Short term rentals have existed in these communities since the 1960’s. These rentals were instrumental in growing our community then and they still are today. Over half our year-round residents don't live in R1 or MH. Shouldn't the goal be to make the town great for all our residents regardless of where they choose to live. Let's fix the few problem rentals. There are easy solutions to these issues that don't involve taking people's property rights. Thank you.

Delaware Botanic Gardens

Terry Miller Ocean City

Photo by Stephen Pryce Lea

Okinawa: The final battle of World War II

By Scott Collins

Contributing Writer

This week, 80 years ago, American soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen, supported by the Royal Navy, were assaulting the Japanese island of Okinawa.

The Prefecture of Okinawa lies about 340 miles south of the Japanese home islands. It is therefore perfectly situated as a forward base of operations for the planned invasion of Japan. On April 1, 1945, the Allies mounted the largest amphibious operation of World War II, in the Pacific, to seize Okinawa. It was code named “Operation Iceberg.”

Six divisions of American troops landed on Okinawa, beginning on April 1, 1945, coincidently both April Fool’s Day and Easter Sunday. The invasion consisted of four divisions of the U.S. Tenth Army and two Marine divisions. In all, the invasion force consisted of almost 200,000 men.

They were supported by a huge armada of naval warships. The main task force, under the command of Vice-Adm. Marc A. Mitscher, consisted of 88 ships (including 11 fleet carriers, six light carriers, seven battleships and 18 cruisers); a British fleet consisting of four carriers, two

battleships, five cruisers, 14 destroyers and the fleet train; an Amphibious Support Force, which included 22 escort carriers with more than 500 aircraft, and 10 100-man underwater demolition teams, the precursors of the U.S. Navy SEALS.

The land assault forces were transported and landed by 57 attack transport ships and 67 landing ship tanks, an uncounted number of landing craft, supported by a gunfire support group of 10 older battleships, 11 cruisers, and 30 destroyers.

This is only a partial list and does not include cargo ships, oilers, destroyer escorts, submarines, and all of the other various support vessels in an operation of this magnitude. In all the Allied fleet totaled 1,300 ships.

The Japanese defending the islands were the Thirty-Second Army under the command of Lt. Gen. Mitsuru Ushijima, consisting of 77,000 regular army soldiers, 9,000 Imperial Navy sailors, of which only a few hundred had been trained for ground combat, and approximately 39,000 local Okinawans who had been impressed into a rear-guard militia. In addition, the Japanese made use of an incredible number of kamikaze attack aircraft during the battle.

On April 1, 1945, at 05:30, 20 minutes before dawn, the fire support force of 10 battleships, nine cruisers, 23 destroyers, and 177 gunboats began the pre-H-Hour bombardment

of the beaches. They fired 44,825 rounds of 5-inch or larger shells, 33,000 rockets, and 22,500 mortar shells. This was the heaviest concentration of naval gunfire ever to sup-

Two US Marines share a foxhole with an Okinawan war orphan in April 1945.

WORLD WAR II

port a landing of troops.

About 70 miles east of Okinawa, Task Force 58 was deployed to furnish air support and to intercept attacks from Kyushu. In addition, support carriers had arrived with troop convoys. At 7:45, carrier planes struck the beaches and nearby trenches with napalm.

Within an hour of the initial landings, 16,000 troops were ashore. They were followed by hundreds of tanks. The landings were, mostly without resistance which, at the time, seemed ominous. An infantryman of the 7th Division, standing atop a hill just south of the Bishi River, soon after the landing, expressed the common feeling when he said, "I've already lived longer than I thought I would."

By nightfall the beachhead was 15,000 yards long and in places as much as 5,000 yards deep. More than 60,000 men were ashore, including the reserve regiments of the assault divisions. Kadena and Yontan airfields, each about a mile inland were easily captured on the first day of fighting. A few Japanese aircraft rose to contest the landings and a few shells were fired but the resistance was mostly ineffectual. This would not last.

After approximately one week of relatively light fighting, the real battle began. On April 6,, 400 Japanese aircraft attacked the Allied fleet and land positions. Numerous kamikaze attacks also damaged Allied ships.

In one of the strangest military operations in history, the mammoth Japanese battleship, Yamato, left the Japanese home islands and, along with escorting vessels steamed for Okinawa. The plan was for the Yamato to beach itself on Okinawa and then use its formidable 18-inch guns as fixed land-based artillery.

She and her sister ship, Musashi, were the heaviest and most powerfully armed battleships ever constructed, displacing 72,800 tons at full load and armed with nine 18.1inch, 45 caliber Type 94 main guns, as opposed to the Bismarck which carried 15-inch guns or, the Iowa class battleships which carried 16inch guns.

An American submarine, lying off Kyushu, reported the movement of the Japanese warships, and 40 planes of Task Force 58 began a far-flung search, at dawn, on April 7. At 8:22 a plane from the Essex sighted the enemy force, which consisted of the battleship Yamato, the light cruiser Yahagi, and eight destroyers, in the East China Sea, on a course toward Okinawa.

Task Force 58, which had started northeastward at 4 that morning in order to close with the enemy, launched its planes at a point estimated to be 240 miles from the enemy fleet.

The first attacks, through heavy, but inaccurate, antiaircraft fire,

scored at least eight torpedo and five bomb hits on the Yamato, the Yahagi, and three of the destroyers. Subsequent attacks succeeded in sinking the Yamato, the Yahagi, and four destroyers; one destroyer was seriously damaged and one left burning. Task Force 58 lost only 10 planes out of the 386 that participated. Okinawa was now safe from surface attack.

The total Japanese air effort was far greater than that encountered in any other Pacific operation. The proximity of airfields in Kyushu and Formosa permitted the deployment by the enemy of all types of planes and pilots.

Together, there were 896 air raids against Okinawa. Approximately 4,000 Japanese planes were destroyed in combat, 1,900 of which were suicide planes. The intensity and scale of the Japanese suicide air attacks on naval forces and shipping were the most spectacular aspects of the Okinawa campaign.

Between 6 April and 22 June there were 10 organized kamikaze attacks, employing a total of 1,465 planes. In addition, sporadic small-scale suicide attacks were directed against the American fleet by both Army and Navy planes, bringing the total number of suicide sorties during the campaign to 1,900.

The violence of the air attacks is indicated by the damage inflicted on the American forces. Twenty-eight ships were sunk and 225 damaged by Japanese air action during the campaign. Destroyers sustained more hits than any other class of ships. Battleships, cruisers, and carriers also were among those struck.

Some of the big naval ships suffered heavy damage with great loss of life. The radar picket ships, made up principally of destroyers and destroyer escorts, suffered proportionately greater losses than any other part of the fleet. The great majority of ships sunk or damaged were victims of the kamikaze. Suicide planes accounted for 26 of the 28 vessels sunk and for 164 of the 225 damaged by air attack during the entire campaign.

The land battle for Okinawa lasted 82 days, from April 1 to mid-June 1945.

The battle was one of the bloodiest in the Pacific — especially for civilians. Based on Okinawan government sources, 42,000–150,000 local civilians were killed or committed suicide, a significant proportion of the local population. One of the most controversial scenes during the Second World War was Okinawan civilians, some holding their children, jumping from cliffs to their deaths due to warnings from the Japanese Army that they would be raped and murdered by the Americans.

The main strategy, of the Japanese forces on Okinawa, was to fight a defensive battle, bleeding the invaders as much as possible and never surrendering. This, then, involved a

long, costly slog the length of the islands against dug-in fanatical troops. One such operation involved the Shuri Defense line of April 29.

As the morning mists cleared, the campaign's largest single air strike was delivered. By 9 a.m. Yonabaru had been hit by 67 planes spreading napalm that burned everything above ground. Iwa had been devastated by a strike of 108 planes, and Shuri by a strike of 139.

A total of 650 Navy and Marine planes bombed, rocketed, napalmed, and machine-gunned the enemy. Six battleships, six cruisers, and six destroyers of the Fifth Fleet added their fire power to that of the planes and artillery. These sledgehammer blows fell on about 4,000 combat veterans of the Japanese 62d Division who were manning the positions.

The greatest concentration of artillery ever employed in the Pacific

war sounded the prelude to the attack at dawn. Twenty-seven battalions of corps and division artillery — 324 pieces in all — ranging from 105-mm to 8-inch howitzers, fired the first rounds at 6 a.m.

This concentration represented an average of 75 artillery pieces to every mile of front, and actually it was even greater as the firing progressed in mass from east to west. The shells thundered against the enemy's front lines for twenty minutes, then shifted 500 yards to the rear, while the infantry simulated a movement as if beginning.the attack. At 6:30 a.m., the artillery shifted back to spray the enemy's front lines for the next ten minutes with time fire. In forty minutes American artillery placed 19,000 shells on the enemy's lines. Then, at 6:40 a.m., the artillery lifted to enemy rear areas.

Continued on Page 82

The assault platoons advanced, hopeful that the great mass of metal and explosives had destroyed the enemy, or had left him so stunned that he would be helpless. They were soon disillusioned, for the Japanese, deep in their caves, had scarcely been touched, and at the right moment they manned their battle stations.

Brig. Gen. Josef R. Sheetz, commanding general, XXIV Corps Artillery, later said he doubted that as many as 190 Japanese, or one for every 100 shells, had been killed by the morning artillery preparation.

Until American troops occupied the last of its defensive terrain, the Japanese Army, in spite of adversities and broken fortunes, had maintained discipline and organization astonishingly well. When the process of dissolution began, however, it spread like an epidemic. Most Japanese soldiers lost hope of eventual victory when they abandoned Shuri.

Mass surrender of Japanese soldiers did not begin until the Tenth Army crowded them almost to the water's edge. There was a noticeable increase, however, after the intensification of the psychological warfare program.

During the first 70 days of battle, prisoners captured by Tenth Army averaged less than four a day. This average increased to more than 50 a day between June 12 and 19; and on

June 19, as the 6th Marine and 7th Infantry Divisions rolled forward near the east and west coasts, 343 enemy soldiers voluntarily surrendered.

On the afternoon of June 20, the 32d Infantry seized the east end of Hill 89, a coral bulge next to the sea that housed Gen. Ushijima's staff and headquarters. On the same day 977 prisoners were taken — an unprecedented accomplishment in the Pacific war.

On June 22, 1945, with their backs to the sea Gen.Ushijima and his chief of staff, Gen. Isamu Chõ, committed suicide. This effectively ended resistance on Okinawa.

The price paid for Okinawa was dear. The final toll of American casualties was the highest experienced in any campaign against the Japanese. Total American battle casualties were 49,151, of which 12,520 were killed or missing and 36,631 wounded.

Army losses were 4,582 killed, 93 missing, and 18,000 wounded; Marine losses, including those of the Tactical Air Force, were 2,938 killed and missing and 13,708 wounded; Navy casualties totaled 4,907 killed and missing and 4,824 wounded.

Non-battle casualties during the campaign amounted to 15,613 for the Army and 10,598 for the Marines. The losses in ships were 36 sunk and

Continued on Page 83

OBITUARIES

WAYNE WILLIAMS

Ocean City

Wayne Williams, a beloved son to Lois and Bill, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully in Ocean City, Maryland, on March 10, 2025, at the age of 84. Born in Dover, New Jersey, Wayne spent most of his life in West Orange N.J. In his early career Wayne was a manager at Woolworth’s where he met his wife, Carol. Later he became a successful entrepreneur, his businesses included Town Square Pub, Williams’ Catering, and Neptune Laundromat in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Since the 1960s, Wayne enjoyed vacationing with his family and fishing in Ocean City, Maryland, eventually making it his home. He was the owner of Iceland Mini-Golf, lived in Ocean City for over 30 years and enjoyed being part of the Ocean City business community. Wayne was formerly a member of The White Marlin Club, The Lions Club, and a Free Mason.

Wayne was the devoted husband of Carol Williams, with whom he shared a deep and loving partnership for over 60 years. He is survived by

his wife, Carol; sons William (Erin) and Joseph (Kelly); and his grandchildren Caitlin (Mike), Kiera, Meghan (Brendan), Reagan, Hailey, Kevin (Liberty), Delaney; and his four great-grandchildren. Wayne was a constant presence in their lives, offering wisdom, friendly advice, and love. He is also survived by his brother-inlaw Joseph Mclaughlin, sister-in-law Kathleen Patrick (Alan), Many Nieces and Nephews and predeceased by his sister-in-law Mary Robinson (Joe). A passionate outdoorsman, Wayne loved hunting, fishing, and cooking. He spent countless hours hunting and fishing with his sons, grandchildren, and brother-in-law, Joseph McLaughlin. He dedicated much of his time to teaching his family the art of hunting and fishing—from catching panfish to landing giant tuna, and hunting both small and big game. These cherished activities became lifelong traditions that he ensured would continue for generations. Wayne also enjoyed participating in the White Marlin Open and was particularly passionate about offshore fishing. Later in life, he became a competitive shooter in sporting clays, earning recognition as the Super-vet Champion in 2007, and 2008 at the National Sporting Clays Championships, and was on the All-

Continued on Page 83

Wayne Williams

OBITUARIES

American team for the NSCA in ‘07, ‘08. Wayne also won awards in many other local and national competitions. Wayne was a long-time member of the Salisbury Gun Club and the Synepuxent Rod and Gun Club, where he formed lasting friendships and enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts.

A man with many interests, Wayne was an accomplished chef who never prepared a meal the same way twice. Wayne was also a competitive drag racer and car enthusiast, competing with his father, Bill, at the Montgomery Drag Strip in New York and

WORLD WAR II

Continued from Page 82

368 damaged, most of them as a result of air action. Losses in the air were 763 planes from 1 April to 1 July.

In addition, just four days from the closing of the campaign, Lt. Gen. Simon Bolivar Buckner, the commander of the ground forces, was killed by Japanese artillery fire, which blew lethal slivers of coral into his body. He was the highest-ranking U.S. officer to be killed by enemy fire during the war. The famous war correspondent Ernie Pyle was also killed during the battle.

The high cost of the victory was because the battle had been fought against a capably led Japanese army of greater strength than anticipated, over difficult terrain heavily and expertly fortified, and thousands of miles from home. The campaign had lasted considerably longer than was expected. But Americans had demonstrated, again on Okinawa, that they could, ultimately, wrest from the Japanese whatever ground they wanted.

The cost of the battle to the Japanese was even higher than to the Americans. Approximately 110,000 of the enemy lost their lives in the attempt to hold Okinawa, and 7,400 more were taken prisoners.

The enemy lost 7,800 airplanes, 16 ships sunk, and four ships damaged. More important, the Japanese lost 640 square miles of territory within 350 miles of Kyushu.

The American forces then began feverish preparations for the invasion of Japan, but on Aug.6, 1945, the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, followed two days later by a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki. The war was over. The battle of Okinawa was the last battle of World War II for the Americans.

Acknowledgements: Thanks to “Okinawa: The Last Battle” by Roy E. Appleman, James M. Burns; Russell A. Gugeler, and John Stevens, Center of Military History, United States Army, Washington, D. C., (1948) Next week: Red Army Captures Bratislava

Island Dragway in New Jersey during the late 1950s and 1960s.

A devoted husband and family man with an unyielding passion for accomplishing new things, Wayne’s memory will live on through the countless lives he touched. His family finds comfort in knowing that his legacy of love, encouragement, and his dry sense of humor will continue to inspire them for many years.

A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at his home on May 24, 2025, from 1 pm to 3 pm. The family invites all who knew him to join in honoring his memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marlins for Mason, 10324 Plantation Lane, Berlin, Md. 21811 or https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2025 marlinsformason/ or by calling 609377-0706.

Rest in peace, Wayne. You will be missed but never forgotten.

Arrangements with Eastern Shore Cremation & Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Ave., Berlin, Md 21811. Please visit www.easternshorecremation.com.

MIRA MILLIN

Ocean City

Mira (Crnosija) Millin, 86, of Ocean City, Maryland passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025. She is survived by her daughter, Tina, and son-in-law Carl Vincent. She is sur-

vived by Carl’s children – Katie (Justin) Serenyi, Maggie Vincent, and Jake Vincent. She is also survived by her brother Boris (Lenka) Crnosija and brother-in-law Ned Visich along with several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Crest Millin Jr., and her sisters, Zivka (Mike) Luketic and Sloboda “Libby” Visich.

Mira was born in the former Yugoslavia (now Croatia) on March 21, 1935 to Nikoleta and Vice Crnosija. Growing up on the island of Ugljan in Croatia, she worked in the fields, vineyards and olive groves as well as fishing with her beloved father. She often talked about singing in the Catholic church, traveling by donkey and going to dances as a teenager. Her heart was always with her homeland. At age 18, she left Croatia with her sister, Zivka, and emigrated to Brussels, Belgium, where she worked for an aunt and uncle in their restaurant. She emigrated to the United States at age 23 and worked as a licensed beautician in NYC until she met Crest whom she married in 1964.

Shortly thereafter, they made their home in Ocean City since Crest was in the commercial fishing indus-

try. She spent her summers taking Tina to the beach while Crest was fishing. She lived in an apartment at the Ocean City Yacht Basin in the sixties before moving to an apartment on 19th Street and Baltimore Avenue. Crest and Mira enjoyed dancing at the Bonfire and spending time with friends at the OC Marlin Club. In 1973, she proudly became a U.S. citizen. In 1976, Crest and Mira moved to their forever home on Keyser Point Road. Her favorite travel spots were Las Vegas, Florida Keys, and Aruba. She loved warm weather, the palm trees, and the glitz. She enjoyed interior decorating and gardening and took immense pride in her home and yard. She loved to entertain family and friends and was known for her dinner parties.

A private burial service will be held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro, Del. Arrangements are in the care of The Bishop-Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville, Del.. The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Delmar Estates and Coastal Hospice for the wonderful care they provided. In lieu of flowers, donations be made in Mira’s memory to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802 or online at coastalhospice.org.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

$1,595.

Mira Millin

Sports & Recreation

Decatur athletes compete in multi-team meet at home

Track competitors excel in first spring outing against Bayside, regional schools

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(March 28, 2025) Stephen Decatur High School varsity girls and boys track and field kicked off their seasons Tuesday with a multiple team meet including Parkside High School, Pocomoke High School, James M. Bennett Senior High School, Wicomico Senior High School, Indian River High School and Holly Grove

High School.

Solomon David continued to demonstrate his jumping ability in track and field events, fresh off a solid basketball season. David won the Bayside South and qualified for states, winning second in the region for high jumps.

On Tuesday, David won the high jump with a six-foot leap over the bar and the triple jump and placed third in the long jump.

After the long jump, David said, “I could definitely do better, I need to work on a few things like my steps. I keep stutter stepping at the end, but

once I get that down, I’ll be good.” David plans to attend St. Mary’s College for track in the fall.

James Uebel came in first in the long jump.

Snapping the ribbon for Stephen Decatur High School in the 800 meters for boys was Colllin Pennington with 2:09.24 and 800 Meters for girls was Avery Weber with 2:47.29. Weber also won the 1600 Meters for girls (6:11.29), followed by Seahawks Evie Eggers in second (6:15.25) and Amber Marshall in third (6:17.8). Pennington won the 1600 Meters boys with a time of 4:56.34.

The Seahawks continue to show good legs in the boys 3200 Meters taking the top three with Braydon Bell (11:12.92) in first and followed by

Seahawks start spring with wins

Girls tennis expecting solid outing in Bayside South as follow up to last season

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(March 28, 2025) Stephen Decatur’s girls tennis team started the season on a high note, ruling the courts again in their first match against North Caroline, 6-1. The team won all three doubles matches with Ana Pena and Emily Ferguson winning 8-6, Anika Karli and Emmie Weber victorious, 8-4 and Brooke Berquist and Carly Cul-

ver winning 8-4.

In single matches, Pena won 8-1, Ferguson won 8-3 and Mina Nordstrom won 8-0. The lady Seahawks will be a force of experience this year with six seniors, two juniors, three sophomores and one freshman.

Last year the team rolled through the Bayside South, only losing to Bennett at the end of the year.

“We were undefeated and then lost to Bennett we were missing some players for Bennett, and then we went to Bayside,” Ferguson said. “We lost by one game, so we were Bayside South champions, hoping to win this year. I went to states with the boys. I

did doubles and came in second in the state. So, we’re pretty much going to go on undefeated this year as well.”

Ferguson added, “I’m actually committed to go to UMD. I wanted to focus on academics. I would love to do club, but D 1 tennis. I’m not at that level, I would love to play tennis, but I looked at some schools and it was just like, kind of sacrificing academics over sports and I play field hockey as well, so it was hard to choose between the two.”

Decatur played Parkside on March 26 and next week on April 2 will play James M Bennett at home.

Carter Steffy (11:20.80) and Ethan Rhode (11:39.99). The lady Seahawks took the top two in their 3200 Meters with Eggers 14:21.73 followed closely by Marshall with a time of 14:21.74.

In the 4x800 Relay, the girls team of Eggers, Weber, Ellie Cheynet and Marshall soared by James M. Bennett with 17 seconds to spare with a time of 11:02.03.

The Stephen Decatur boys team of Bell, Xander Wakefield, Pennington and Quinn Martin pasted the competition, finishing 20 seconds ahead of Parkside in the 4x800 relay.

After a solid first meeting, Decatur next competes in the Cambridge Classic Invitational with over 16 schools represented at Viking Stadium on March 28 at 2 p.m.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Senior Emily Ferguson serves during the first match of the year against North Caroline. She won 8-3 in singles and 8-6 in doubles play.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Ethan Cowder is pictured clearing the high jump bar at 5 feet, two inches. He placed 10th at the home meet on Tuesday.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Senior Michiya Anderson is pictured competing the shot put division. She came in fourth place and also placed fourth in the discus.

SD rolls to easy victories in first home match of season

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(March 28, 2025) Stephen Decatur has a diverse boys tennis team roster this year with seven freshmen, one sophomore, three juniors and four seniors.

Last year’s squad finished second in the Bayside South.

The team opened the season facing off against the North Caroline Bulldogs on Tuesday winning 7-0. The Seahawks are under the leadership of 31-year veteran head coach Steve Berquist.

The Seahawks took the singles matches with No. 1 seed Trey Rill winning 8-3, No. 2 seed Geren Palmer earning an 8-2 win, No. 3 seed Brogan Clark winning 8-2 and

No. 4 seed Bo Gehrig earning an 8-3 win.

In doubles play Rill and Palmer won 8-1, Clark and Gehrig won 8-4 and Lucas Magathan and Zane Devito earned an 8-2 win.

“We have a lot of experience this year,” Berquist said. “We have four seniors and three juniors on the team. [North] Caroline graduated a lot of their seniors last year and I think our experience has really made the difference today. We just seemed a little older and a little more experienced on the court.”

Decatur squared off against Parkside Wednesday in a match too late to document here due to press deadline. The Seahawks will play James M Bennett on April 2 at home.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Junior Trey Rill is pictured serving during the first boys tennis match on Tuesday against North Caroline.

PHOTOS COURTESY J.P. CATHELL PHOTOGRAPHY

GIRLS LAX OPENS WITH WIN, LOSS

Despite wet and cold weather, Stephen Decatur’s girls lacrosse team opened its season with a dominating 25-0 win on Monday. Above left, Lily Carson is pictured scoring her first goal of the season. Above right, junior Lo Malinowski charges downfield in the first half. On Wednesday, the Seahawks lost to non-conference foe Arundel, 14-10.